In-flight connectivity

MOBILE telephone and Internet use in commercial flights is increasingly allowed by several airlines. AirAsia, Air France, British Airways, Egypt Air, Emirates, Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and Virgin Atlantic allow mobile phones to be switched on while onboard. Passengers of these airlines are asked to switch off their devices when they enter the Indian airspace. India prohibits in-flight connectivity. This ban could, however, be lifted if the government accepts TRAI’s recommendations to allow Internet and mobile communications while airborne. 

The telecom regulator’s recommendations cover all technical issues systematically and comprehensively. It has also addressed the biggest fear of air passengers — the in-flight use of mobile phones could interfere with critical aircraft systems. It has proposed the European Union standards in providing interference-free operations in the Indian airspace and prescribed the minimum 3,000-metre height restrictions to avoid interference with terrestrial mobile networks. 

The TRAI’s recommendation is progressive and in tune with the rising aspirations of passengers who want to stay connected with their family members and business associates while airborne. There are many passengers who want to surf the Net or watch YouTube videos instead of viewing pre-recorded news and movies offered through airlines’ in-flight entertainment system. Modern technology has made it possible to have in-flight mobiles and Internet connectivity, which could soon become a major revenue stream for commercial airlines. According to a survey; most of the flyers preferred an airline with in-flight Wi-Fi — a factor that is ranked ahead of meals, loyalty programmes and in-flight entertainment. There are, however, some practical issues involved in permitting the in-flight mobile connectivity. If voice calls are allowed, air travel would no longer remain a quiet affair. Those who travel in Shatabdi trains can very well relate to this chaotic situation. Phone etiquette is seldom observed. That is why the implementation of TRAI’s recommendation should be best left to the commercial wisdom of individual airlines, which may well start with data connectivity before graduating to voice calls.