Facebook at 30,000 Feet? Not above India

As more airlines roll out in-flight internet and regulators loosen rules governing wireless devices on planes, one country is a holdout in continuing to prohibit passengers from using WiFi on board: India. Home to the fastest-growing major air-travel market and a galloping economy, India hasn’t consented to the use of onboard WiFi in its airspace due to security concerns. Carriers including Emirates Airline, Jet Airways and Indian associates of Singapore Airlines and Malaysia’s AirAsia say they are eager to offer WiFi if only the government would allow it. Some have been lobbying New Delhi to change the law, according to aviation and tech industry executives. Some Indian officials have indicated recently that they wish to lift the ban, and suggested such a move isn’t far off, but a deal has yet to materialize. For travelers, the lack of WiFi is an inconvenience as more passengers—and their bosses—come to expect connectivity at 30,000 feet. A global survey of some 7,300 passengers by the International Air Transport Association last year found 36% were willing to pay for in-flight internet. “For business executives flying for an important meeting or presentation, it’s very painful to be cut off from the team during the flight,” said Amber Dubey, partner and India head of aerospace and defense at KPMG. “The fears about safety and security are a bit overstretched. The technology has been tested thoroughly and approved by international regulators.” WiFi is now commonplace on US airlines and many carriers elsewhere. Typically, connectivity is provided by companies such as Gogo Inc. and SITA OnAir. Fees vary, but connection speeds are slower than those on the ground.<br/>