On January 19, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) allowed air travelers into India and also those flying over the country to access mobile and Internet services on board flights, thus enabling on-board connectivity (IFC). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In order for airlines to use this allowance and offer it to their customers, they must meet certain safety regulations. For mobile services, there should be flexibility for IFC service providers in terms of usage of technology and frequencies within the aircraft cabin which should be consistent with international standards, Trai said. It is also recommended that the operation of mobile communication on air services be permitted with a minimum height limit of three thousand metres. Additionally, Internet services via Wi-Fi on board should be made available when using electronic devices is only permitted in flight or in airplane mode, he added. A Trai official, in a statement, said, "We have allowed both mobile communications on aircraft (MCA) and on-board Internet as IFC in Indian airspace. Now it is up to the airlines to decide which of these to offer." But in Typically all airlines offer Wi-Fi on board as allowing mobile calls is seen as "too annoying" for other travelers and so, maintaining decorum and calm during the flight, was their priority. Almost three years later having recommended it by the aviation ministry, the final nod has come Trai has recommended a separate category of 'IFC service provider' which will be 'required to get registered with the department of telecom and shall not necessarily be an Indian entity. ". Furthermore, the regulatory requirements could be the same for both Indian and foreign airlines for offering IFC services in Indian airspace “To promote the adoption of IFC services in Indian airspace, the provider of IFC services should be levied a flat annual license fee of a token amount of Re 1 However, the same could be reviewed and amended at a later stage, if necessary,” says Trai. The IFC service provider should be allowed to use INSAT systems (Indian satellite system or foreign satellite capacity leased through the Department of Space) or foreign satellites outside INSAT systems in Indian airspace. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay "The implementation of a gateway in India provides an effective mechanism to intercept and monitor in-cabin Internet traffic while the aircraft is in Indian airspace. Onboard Internet traffic must be routed to a satellite gateway on the Indian soil should be imposed irrespective of whether the satellite in question is an Indian satellite system or not,” Trai said.