The Internet and our life have been almost inseparable. While we often express despair and curse telecos for poor or no connectivity, the internet is being missed by the passengers in the flights. But now it seems that people who fly home during the flight will have access to the Internet.
After getting approval from Law Ministry and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the government has given flight and marine connectivity license to Hughes Communications India (HCIL). This license authorizes HCIL to offer high quality broadband services in ships and aircraft within the Indian territory.
HCIL is a subsidiary of US-based broadband network and service provider EcoStar. Importantly, it is the first company to obtain licenses for in-flight connectivity in India. Experts believe that since HCIL has received the license, Internet connectivity will be available from April to May 2019.
Internet services will be allowed through Wi-Fi onboard. For calling services, the airplane / flight mode on the phone must be closed. Currently, there is no facility of Wi-Fi on board in any Indian carrier.
According to the report of Firstpost (through PTI), the company has set up a base mobility platform and is negotiating to increase services in India.
Flight and Maritime Connectivity (FMC) license has been granted for a decade. HCIL will pay spectrum fee on the basis of revenue which is generated by enabling the Internet in airlines and maritime operators.
In addition to domestic flights, TRAI also suggested to allow voice and data services to international airlines last year. The Telecom Commission had accepted all the suggestions in addition to allowing foreign satellites and gateways to provide connectivity to the aircraft.
Tags: HCIL Internet
