Soon in-flight Wi-fi facilities will be started

Ruchita Naik

Pune, 2nd March 2020: The central government gave a green signal to provide Wi-Fi services in airlines, stated a report by PTI. The services will be given to the passengers in flight by the Pilot in command.

The passengers can avail the in-flight Wi-Fi services for their smartphones, laptops, tablets, e-readers or smartwatches. The government said that the services will be available only when the phone is on flight mode. These services will be availed only when all doors are closed and the flight has been taken off, said the government official. The Director-General will certify the usage of in-flight internet.

The government in 2018 had announced Maritime Communications (IFMC) and In-Flight Wi-Fi licences for international and Indian vessels and aeroplanes. This was initially proposed by the Indian telecom regulator.

Air passenger carrier Vistara has recently announced that it will introduce in-flight Wi-Fi services. They claimed that it is the first airline in India to have in-flight Wi-Fi services. For this, the company has partnered with Tata group firm, Nelco. The Wi-Fi services by Vistara are likely to be offered by March-end in some of its international flights.

On the other hand, Nelco has partnered with Panasonic Avionics for introducing Wi-Fi on flights. The services are expected to provide aeroplane operators with a chance that will improve their customer experience and improve their passenger loyalty, believes Nelco. The new services will also help the companies have an additional revenue stream and flight operations that can be optimized. PJ Nath, MD & CEO of Nelco had earlier said that it is a great growth opportunity for Nelco in the country’s IFC services. Nelco is aiming to be the market leader in this segment.

In March 2019, it had received the licence for Wi-Fi services and therefore, introduced maritime communications services in India in September last year, said Nelco.