Flight & Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018

Flight & Maritime Connectivity Rules 2018

Question: What is the minimum height ascertained for IFMC( in-flight and maritime connectivity) services in the notified Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules,2018?
(a) 1500 metres
(b) 2200 metres
(c) 2800 metres
(d) 3000 metres
Answer: (d)
Related facts:

  • On 14th December 2018, the Central Government has notified Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018 in exercise of the powers conferred by section 4 read with section 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
  • In these rules IFMC(in-flight and maritime connectivity) services has been defined allowing phone calls and access to internet during air travel and ship voyage within the Indian territory.
  • IFMC services can be provided by a valid telecom licence holder in India through domestic and foreign satellites having the permission of the Department of Space.
  • The IFMC licenses will be granted against annual fee of Re 1 for a period of 10 years and the permit holder will have to pay licence fees and spectrum charges based on revenue earned from providing services.
  • The IFMC service provider shall provide the operation of mobile communication services in aircraft at minimum height of 3000 meters in Indian airspace to avoid interference with terrestrial mobile networks.

Links:
http://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/2018_12_17%20AS%20IFMC_0.pdf?download=1
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=186373
http://www.dot.gov.in/accessservices/gazette-notification-flight-and-maritime-connectivity-rules-2018