In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) Service Authorisation | Department of Telecom eServices Portal
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In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) Service Authorisation

In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) Service Authorisation

Any person intending to provide the in-flight and maritime connectivity services may apply to the Central Government under rule 6 of Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026 to obtain authorisation to provide such services in respect of the service area specified for the same.

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Details of Service

(1) The in-flight and maritime connectivity service authorisation consists of authorisation for the following miscellaneous telecommunication services which may be provided on ships or aircrafts using wireless connectivity, namely:— 

  (a) transmission, emission or reception of voice or non-voice messages, including video messages; and 

  (b) internet service. 

(2) Every new authorised entity, in order to provide in-flight and maritime connectivity services shall— 

  (a) enter into an agreement with a new authorised entity or licensee that holds authorisation or license to provide access services in all twenty-two service areas; and 

  (b) for establishing connectivity between ships or aircrafts and the telecommunication network of the new authorised entity or licensee referred to in clause (a), enter into an agreement with an entity that holds authorisation or license to provide direct-air-to-ground communication service or national long distance services using very small aperture terminal: 

Provided that, in respect of services specified under clause (b) of this sub-rule, for using the telecommunication network, the new authorised entity may also enter into an agreement with an entity that holds authorisation or license to provide internet service in national service area.


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Who Can Apply

A person specified in clause (a), who also fulfils the condition specified in clause (b), shall be eligible to apply for authorisation under rule 6, namely:— 

(a) it is a company— 

   (i) in which foreign direct investment, if any, is in conformity with the policy issued by the Government of India from time to time in respect of foreign direct investment and applicable law; and

   (ii) the general character of whose management is sound in terms of its track record in providing telecommunication services or in establishing, operating, maintaining or expanding telecommunication networks in a responsible manner. 

 

(b) it has no pending dues:
 


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Documents Required

Certified copy of the Board Resolution on the applicant’s letterhead, authorising: (a) the submission of the application by the applicant; and (b) the person signing the application to be the authorised signatory
Power of Attorney in favour of the authorised signatory.
Certified copy of approval of the Government of India for foreign equity (wherever applicable as per policy issued by the Government of India from time to time in respect of foreign direct investment and applicable law).
Certified copy of appointment letter of auditor by resolution of the Board of Directors and acceptance letter from the auditor.
Certified copy of certificate of incorporation, Articles of Association, Memorandum of Association
Certificate for breakup of paid-up equity capital into Indian and foreign equity and further breakup of foreign equity details
Certificate certifying that foreign direct investment (including from countries sharing land border with India), if any, in the applicant company is in conformity with the policy issued by the Government of India from time to time in respect of FDI
Certificate certifying that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria under rule 5 of the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026.
Certificate certifying applicant’s compliance with sub-rule (4) of rule 6 of the Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2026.

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Fees and Charges

SI. No.

Service Authorisation

Processing Fee (Rs.)

Entry Fee (Rs.)

Guarantee (Rs.)

1

PMRTS Authorisation

10,000

20,000

20,000

2

Enterprise Communication Service Authorisation

10,000

Nil

2,00,000

3

M2M Service Authorisation

10,000

Nil

Nil

4

PM WANI Service Authorisation

Nil

Nil

Nil

5

IFMC Service Authorisation

10,000

Nil

Nil

6

Aeronautical Data Communication Authorisation

10,000

1,00,000

Nil


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Application Process

1
Prepare Documents Compile all required corporate, financial, technical, and security documents as specified by the Central Government.
2
Submit Application Online Apply through the designated authorisation portal in the prescribed form and manner.
3
Scrutiny & Clarifications DoT/LSA reviews the application and may seek additional information or clarifications.
4
Issuance of Letter of Intent (LoI) If eligible, an LoI is issued specifying payment requirements (entry fee, financial guarantee).
5
Payment & Compliance Submission Applicant submits the required fees and financial guarantees within the given timeline.
6
Grant of Authorisation Upon successful verification, the authorisation is issued for the approved service area.

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Statistics

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Policy / Circular / Presentation


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Related Services

Nodal Cell Contact / Help Desk

Validity

The In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) service authorisation is valid for 20 years from the effective date, unless otherwise specified under the Rules.

User Manual
A comprehensive user manuals are available for applicants.
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Frequently Asked Questions

It permits an entity to provide internet and communication services on aircraft and ships using DoT-approved satellite systems.

A company— (i) in which foreign direct investment, if any, is in conformity with the policy issued by the Government of India from time to time in respect of foreign direct investment and applicable law; and (ii) the general character of whose management is sound in terms of its track record in providing telecommunication services or in establishing, operating, maintaining or expanding telecommunication networks in a responsible manner.

The IFMC authorisation is issued under the applicable telecom licence, and applicable fees/charges follow the Misc. Telecom Services framework.

No. They can avail services from an IFMC-authorised service provider. Only the service provider needs authorisation.

Only DoT-approved satellite systems (GEO/MEO/LEO), with gateways and routing compliant with Indian security norms.

Yes, if the entity applies for and is authorised to provide both IFMC categories.

Yes. Lawful interception, data routing, and system certification must strictly follow Government security guidelines.

It is valid for the duration of the parent licence/authorisation, unless revoked or suspended.

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