Many international airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi, making long journeys more comfortable for passengers. But if you’ve flown within India, you may have noticed that Wi-Fi is absent from most domestic flights. This begs the question: how exactly does Wi-Fi work on aeroplanes, and why isn’t it common in domestic Indian flights?
How Does Wi-Fi Work on Planes?
There are two main technologies used to provide Wi-Fi on aeroplanes: Air-to-Ground and Satellite Wi-Fi. Both systems work in different ways, but their goal is the same—offering passengers internet access even when thousands of feet in the air.
- Air-to-Ground Wi-Fi
This method is similar to how our mobile phones connect to the internet. Ground-based cell towers send signals upwards, which are caught by a receiver fitted on the plane. The plane then relays these signals to provide passengers with internet access. This technology is typically used on lower-altitude, regional flights. - Satellite Wi-Fi
This is the newer and more popular method for long-haul flights. An antenna is installed on the aircraft, which communicates with satellites orbiting the Earth. The satellites then transmit data back and forth, allowing passengers to stay connected even while flying over oceans or remote areas.
While these technologies are increasingly being used worldwide, they are not yet common in India, especially on domestic routes.
Why Don’t Indian Domestic Flights Offer Wi-Fi?
Even though in-flight Wi-Fi has been approved by the Indian government since 2018, its adoption has been slow. Here are the key reasons why domestic flights in India do not offer this service yet:
- High Installation Costs
The setup for in-flight Wi-Fi is quite expensive. According to reports, installing the necessary equipment on each plane can cost around ₹3-4 crore. The process of fitting antennas on the aircraft takes about 12 hours, making it a time-consuming and costly procedure. Given that domestic flights in India often operate on tighter profit margins, airlines are hesitant to invest in this technology. - Customer Willingness to Pay
Another challenge is the cost burden. Indian customers are not yet accustomed to paying extra for Wi-Fi on short domestic flights, unlike passengers on international routes who might be more willing to pay for this service. Since adding Wi-Fi would increase ticket prices, domestic airlines fear that they might lose customers if they pass on these costs. - Current Wi-Fi Service Limitations
Even on international routes where Wi-Fi is available, it comes with limitations. For instance, Vistara offers free in-flight Wi-Fi for only 20 minutes, after which passengers must purchase additional data. Air India is also considering launching in-flight Wi-Fi on its international flights to the UK. However, there’s no clear indication of when this service might extend to domestic routes.
The Future of In-Flight Wi-Fi in India
The demand for in-flight Wi-Fi is likely to grow as more travelers expect internet connectivity wherever they go. For now, airlines in India are hesitant to adopt this technology due to the high setup costs and concerns about whether passengers are willing to pay for it. However, as technology advances and costs are reduced, we may see in-flight Wi-Fi becoming more common even on domestic routes.
Until then, Indian passengers will have to wait a little longer to enjoy uninterrupted connectivity while flying within the country.
