BSNL Receives the Inflight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) license. With satellite partner Inmarsat, the Govt Owned Telecos is all set to offer in-flight services. Indeed, a proud moment for BSNL.

Together with Inmarsat, BSNL ventures into new heights. On-Air Services are to commence soon as BSNL has received the license from the Department of Telecommunications to provide mobile and internet connectivity to users while flying.

BSNL CMD Anupam Shrivastava said: BSNL and Inmarsat have worked together closely for decades and this announcement further strengthens our relationship, expanding our partnership from GSPS to GX services. This is an exciting step, particularly for India’s fast-growing aviation sector. Soon airlines and their passengers will be able to reap the benefits of world-leading, seamless, high-speed connectivity.

Later this year, GX Aviation service owned by BSNL’s satellite partner, Inmarsat, will be providing internet facilities for browsing, streaming videos, accessing social media and checking emails while the passengers are on flights. The rules state that when the flight is above the ground at a minimum height of 3,000m in the Indian airspace, passengers will be allowed to make phone calls as well as use internet services. This height is specified to avoid any kind of interference with terrestrial mobile networks which is quite important for the safety of the flight.

Inmarsat India MD Gautam Sharma said: This issuing of this license is a key milestone in bringing reliable, high-speed connectivity services to India’s maritime and aviation industries and customers. India is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world for air travel, with annual passenger numbers consistently increasing. The provision of Inmarsat’s next-generation GX Aviation services will be a game-changer for both Indian and foreign airlines operating in the region.

Internet connectivity in flights is not very common in Indian airspace as there are strict rules and regulations regarding the same. Over the years, several airlines have been expressing their interest in providing wi-fi to travellers onboard their flights. Some of the major airlines include Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, SpiceJet etc. BSNL has achieved a great feat by obtaining the IFMC license. Spice Jet officials are also taking this opportunity to be a launch partner with Inmarsat to provide in-flight services.

Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet Ltd., said,We are delighted that Global Xpress, the world-leading passenger inflight connectivity service, is now coming to India. We are looking forward to offering this ground-breaking connectivity service to our passengers later this year when we introduce our new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. It will enable our customers to remain connected in the air as they do on the ground.

BSNL will be introducing the services phase by phase in collaboration with partners. The company is taking all measures to ensure maximum safety of passengers and the crew while providing their best services to all.