Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Friday recommended allowing mobile phone calls and internet services like wi-fi on domestic and international flights in India. TRAI recommended to the Government that inflight mobile telephony and internet services can be allowed, using satellite and terrestrial network but after providing a mechanism for lawful interception and monitoring of wi-fi in aircraft cabins to ensure safety.
The recommendation will now go to the Telecom Ministry for further decision and implementation of the services.
The Department of Telecom had sought views of the TRAI on August 10, 2017, over proposal to introduce voice, data and video services over Indian airspace for domestic, international and overflying flights in Indian air space. The regulator said that internet services through wi-fi onboard should be made available when electronic devices are permitted to be used only in-flight or airplane mode and announcement regarding this should be made after boarding is completed and the aircraft is about to taxi.