One of the issues I face as a digital nomad is lack of in-flight services when I travel across India. To many this isn’t a major hurdle as many people find it comfortable to rest during flights. I have a tough time doing that and instead prefer to work on my flights.
This workaholic nature keeps me busy at all times. I enjoy it but it bugs that in 2017 we have no Wi-Fi access in-air in the Indian airspace. I always thought it would be epic if it were possible to get high speed internet access mid-air. It would save me a lot of time.
I would love to write content, curate and moderate Steemit.Chat while flying several miles above earth! I might even catch a few crypto pumps which I’ve missed in the past owing to my frequent travels.
TRAI - Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has issued recommendations on in-flight connectivity under which airlines will be allowed to provide these services to their passengers. However, they will need to meet stringent security conditions such as the devices can only be used in flight mode and mobile services can be allowed at an altitude of over 3000 mts.
According to the statement issued in TOI:
"By meeting some requirements, airlines can offer both these services. It is up to them which one to offer and whether to offer them," said a TRAI official. Most airlines globally offer Wi-Fi on board as allowing mobile calls could be too much of a nuisance for fellow travellers.
"Both, Internet and mobile communication on aircraft (MCA) service should be permitted as IFC in the Indian airspace. The operation of MCA services should be permitted with minimum height restriction of 3,000 metres in Indian airspace for its compatibility with terrestrial mobile networks," TRAI says.
I personally don't care so much about mobile network mid-air as much as a strong and affordable internet connectivity. I can accomplish a lot of my work during flights which will ease my burden upon landing. International flights offer these features but Indian regulations have prevented them from providing the same on Indian sectors. Hopefully soon this will change.
However, they will intercept and monitor all activity and I'm not sure that's a good thing entirely. But if you just need to get some work done such as browsing or replying to emails, you should be fine.
In recent times, Indians have taken to air in greater numbers. There's a lot of scope for airlines to offer new services and even charge for these optionals at reasonable prices.
Do you think this move will result in a lot of chatty passengers. People use whatsapp calling and other features quite a lot in India. I wonder if the cabin would get very noisy! Either way this is a welcome move and I'm glad some government agencies such as TRAI are doing a good job, event though they are a little late at it.
Here's a list of airlines offering Wi-Fi onboard!
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