Indian and foreign airlines and shipping companies operating in the country can provide in-flight and maritime voice and data services in partnership with a valid Indian telecom licence holder. “These rules may be called the Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018. The in-flight and maritime connectivity (IFMC) can be provided using telecom networks on ground as well as using satellites. The services can be provided by a valid telecom licence holder in India through domestic and foreign satellites having permission of the Department of Space, it said. The IFMC services will be activated once the aircraft attains a minimum height of 3,000 metres in Indian airspace to avoid interference with terrestrial mobile networks.

Source: The Hindu December 16, 2018 08:19 UTC