Jet Airways to start Wi-Fi on flights in India from March '17

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: If flying in airplanes in the Indian airspace have any disadvantages, then inability to use phone or watching videos to remain entertained cab be counted as one of the major ones.

However, this is set to change as Jet Airways said on Tuesday that it will have Wi-Fi Services on all its aircraft by March 2017

It also plans to add 6 new routes and additional frequencies on four routes, added the company.

The Department of Telecommunications had moved a proposal in this regard. "The Department of Telecommunications has already moved a proposal for providing inflight connectivity for voice, data and video services for consideration of the Committee of Secretaries," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha informed the Rajya Sabha today.

In a written reply, he also said the proposal for providing onboard Wi-Fi services involves amendment of provisions of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Indian Telegraph Rules made there under.

"As of now, Wi-Fi inflight Entertainment System (Transmitting - Portable Electronic Device) is an independent system and is not connected to aircraft control systems making it safe for aircraft operations," the Minister noted.

Many international airlines are already offering Wi-Fi services on flight, but have to turn off the facility when they enter the Indian airspace.