WhatsApp calling during your flight from October? Here is what needs to happen first

You may be able to do WhatsApp audio/video calling during your flight from October. In yet another step toward making in-flight internet connectivity a reality in India, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) may invite application from the internet service providers in the month of October.

Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said on Tuesday that the DoT, airlines and potential internet service providers have finalised a roadmap after a long meeting, and the department will invite applications next month.

A PTI report said quoting Choubey that the matter would now be taken to the Committee of Secretaries (CoS) for a final decision.

The government has identified in-flight connectivity as a separate, standalone service and operators will be required licence for it. However, as recommended by Trai, the licence fee will be Re 1.

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In-flight internet will allow passengers to make calls via net like WhatsApp audio/video call and browse the internet during their flights.

However, the use of the mobile phones would be restricted during the take-off and landing period. earlier, Telecom Commission had famously approved the lifting of a ban on the use of mobile phones and internet services at cruising altitudes.

Telecom Commission - the highest policy-making body of the Department of Telecom (DoT), had cleared a proposal for allowing wider in-flight connectivity on May 1.