We all like remaining connected with the people that matter to us, especially via the internet. Travelling is one such a time when you get to have sufficient time to go social. Unfortunately, our smartphones have the flight mode that you turn on while travelling via the air – keeping you off from internet access. But that will soon be a thing of the past in India. Civilian airplane passengers are set to enjoy WIFI onboard while flying both out of and within India.
This is a decision that an official of the Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed and consensus over the matter has already been launched by Aviation ministries.
When civil aviation secretary R N Choubey was asked as to when the government is expected to allow for WIFI onboard, he said that within days everything will be a reality.
Safety and onboard Connectivity
As it has always been in real life, every positive action has an equal negative side. Once the government permits cellular calls and WIFI onboard, chances are illegal activities may escalate. But in this case, the government is going to be strict and keep tabs on each voice data. This will give it the powers to spot anything that is abnormal.
It is also possible that WIFI signals and cellular networks may affect operation of the airplane. The Aviation Ministry is thus working on a plan to handle that.
The move is a great one but has its fair share of downside. The call charges and the data charges will not be capped and this gives the airline operators more advantages. At the start, costs may even be higher than the usual.
Within the coming days we will have full information regarding the government. Probably you will start making calls and using the internet while up high in the sky.