Question : Telecom Services on Flight and Ship Voyage

(a) whether the Government proposes to allow telecom services such as phone/ mobile calls, internet etc. on flights and ship voyage within the territory of the country and if so, the details thereof including the rules and regulations framed by the Government in this regard and the time by which the said rules/regulations are likely to be implemented;

(b) whether in-flight and maritime telecom services norms will be applicable across territorial waters and Exclusive Economy Zone (EEZ) and if so, the details in this regard;

(c) whether the Indian and foreign airlines and shipping companies that are operating within the territory of the country can provide in-flight and maritime voice and data services by partnering with any Indian Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) having a valid license and if so, the details thereof including the details of TSPs that have been issued the said license;

(d) whether the flyer/traveller will need a new connection/SIM card for such facility or can use his/her existing mobile connection and if so, the details thereof including the cost/tariff which a flyer/traveller has to bear to avail this facility;

(e) whether such in-flight services will only be available once the aircraft reaches a minimum height of three thousand metres in the Indian air space and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) whether the Government has analysed all the security related matters related to such services and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS &
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) Yes Madam. Government has allowed voice and data telecom services on ships within Indian Territorial waters and on aircraft in Indian airspace, by notifying the “Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018” in the Gazette of India on 14th December 2018 (Annexure) and the Rules have come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette i.e. on 14th December, 2018.

(b) The “Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018” are applicable within Indian Territorial waters.
(c) As per “Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018” , the Indian and foreign airlines and shipping companies having requisite permissions can provide In Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) services by entering into commercial agreements with Indian Telecom Service Providers (TSPs). The Rules have come into force recently on 14.12.2018 and so far no company has been granted permission to provide these services under these rules.

(d) No new connection/ SIM card has been envisaged in the rules for such services. Also, at present, no regulation has been imposed regarding cost/tariff, which a flyer/ traveller has to bear to avail this facility. The IFMC service providers will set the tariff, considering their expenditure and expected business. Cost/ Tariff is expected to be moderated by the market forces.

(e) Restriction has been imposed on the IFMC service provider to provide the operation of mobile communication service in aircraft at a minimum height of three thousand meters in Indian airspace to avoid interference with terrestrial mobile network.

(f) “Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018” have been finalized after due deliberations with all the stakeholders on the security related matters related to these services. Details are made available in the Rules enclosed as Annexure.

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