How is calling and browsing internet possible in flight? Is it even safe?

Now, as it stands, this facility will likely be available 2-3 months from now. However, the plans could be delayed given it requires proper planning, which would include arrangements being done between the airlines, telecom companies and other intermediaries (for e.g. new system being installed in the plane to easy network connection). Yet, no airline has made any announcements about any offer for in-flight connectivity (IFC) for the passengers. It’s very likely though that the majority of Indian airlines would charge passengers very high to make calls and use the internet in flight.

(Courtesy: ABC News)

Now, coming to the question that many people wonder—how do calling and using internet on-flight works? Its possibility is even more baffling given the fact that even on ground we struggle with call drops and poor connection. So, how on such height can passengers get good connection to make calls and use internet?

See, it all depends on the infrastructure and how much the airline and telecom companies have invested to make this facility good. There are basically 2 ways to enable calls and internet on flight. One is air-to-ground, other is air-to-satellite. The former method is much cheaper and easier to setup. So, except for few high-end airlines, no one really opts for the second one.

Now, how does air-to-ground method work? It’s fairly simple. The cellular device on air make regular connection to the towers or base stations below on ground. Indeed, this method has ‘poor connection’ written all over it. To ensure the high network strength, airplanes have small antennas installed on-board (that looks like a small fin). Also, many telecom companies, on ground, install unique ground cell towers that are much larger and powerful than the traditional towers. Indeed, you can’t expect the network to be of premium quality. However, this basic infrastructure/setup ensures decent connection to passengers for modest calling and internet browsing.

Another question that comes very often is if using the internet in flight is safe or not. Traditionally, it has always been believed that cellular connection can come in the way of aircraft systems and signals, which could cause troubles for the pilots. However, over the decades, no substantial evidence has been found to back this theory. It has been debunked many times that using the phone when flying cause any accident. Keeping this in view, many countries and airlines already allow the use of internet in flight. For example, Emirates and Etihad allow this.

So, India is joining the same line. With the relevance of Smartphone rising and need to stay connected becoming almost essential, it was about time that countries and airlines allow in-flight connectivity. Certainly a good news for all the passengers. But, in India, the biggest worry is if Airlines will participate to offer this facility. And if they do, how much will they charge!