In-flight connectivity licence norms to be approved by October this year: Report

Experts say that it will take a lot of time for Indian carriers to launch in-flight connectivity. As per a report by the Economic Times, the telecom department seems to be all set to allow in-flight connectivity by as soon as October this year. A DoT official speaking to the publication in a statement said, “We are in the final stages of in-flight connectivity licence norms and the service option will be given to carriers and telecom companies within two months.” In addition to that, DoT officials also told the publication that they have followed TRAI’s norms to the draft the guidelines and once they are cleared, it will require the law ministry another two weeks to approve them. The Telecom Commission, which is the highest decision-making body in the DoT, later approved TRAI’s recommendations, making an exception for allowing foreign satellites and gateways to provide connectivity within aircrafts. Experts, however, argue that though the approval process is nearing completion, it will take a lot of time for Indian carriers to launch in-flight connectivity.