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IFMC License

IFMC License

The In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) service is a communication framework established under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, to facilitate wireless communication for passengers aboard aircraft and maritime vessels. Announced on December 14, 2018, the IFMC service enables the provision of voice and data services via telegraph systems, ensuring that individuals traveling either in-flight or on sea can access communication networks seamlessly.
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Details of Service

The IFMC service provider, shall establish, maintain and work telegraph to provide wireless voice or data or both type of telegraph messages on ships within Indian territorial waters and on aircraft within or above India or Indian territorial waters.

IFMC standards–(1) The Aircraft Earth Station or Earth Station in Motion established by an IFMC service provider for providing the IFMC service shall confirm to the applicable standards set by International standardisation bodies, such as, International Telecommunications Union (ITU), European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE); or set by International fora such as 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

 (2) IFMC communication systems using Direct-Air-to-Ground Communications (DA2GC) shall be permitted to be used for in Flight Connectivity, provided they are in compliance of standards set by the international bodies referred to in para (1) above.

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Who Can Apply

Applicants can ascertain their eligibility as mentioned in rule 5 of IFMC rules 2018 available at circulars tab.

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Fees and Charges

  1. Non-refundable application processing fee of Rs.50,000/- (fifty thousand rupees only)
  2. The IFMC service provider shall pay annual fee of one rupee to be paid on annual basis to the DoT through Bharatkosh.
  3. Satellite bandwidth charges, license fees, spectrum charges and such other charges which are to be paid by the telecom licensees under the respective licenses.
  4. Revenue earned by the partnering licensee from IFMC service providers or by the licensee providing IFMC services, shall be included in the gross revenue of the licensee, for the purpose of license fee and spectrum usage charges. 


     
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Application Process

1
Application Submission Any eligible licensee or company referred to in sub-rules (1) and (2) of rule 5 of IFMC rules (https://eservices.dot.gov.in/sites/default/ files/circular-notifications/IFMC%20rules%20amendment.pdf), shall make an application in the form as per Annexure appended to these rules, to Under Secretary (AS-I), Department of Telecommunications, Sanchar Bhawan, 20 Ashoka Road, New Delhi – 110 001, for obtaining the authorisation to provide IFMC service.
2
Application Submission Submit the application form and required documentation to the designated DoT office.
3
Processing The application undergoes a compliance and background check.
4
Approval Upon successful review, the licence is issued, allowing the applicant to operate Access Services within the approved territories
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Related Services
Nodal Cell Contact / Help Desk

https://dot.gov.in/directory

Validity

10 years

User Manual
A comprehensive user manuals are available for applicants.
IFMC User manual 2.7 MB
Read
New
Telecommunications
Act 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions

IFMC stands for In-Flight and Maritime Connectivity. It enables voice and data services (internet access, SMS, calling) on aircraft and ships using satellite and other communication technologies while in Indian airspace or territorial waters.

Any Indian entity registered under the Companies Act, 2013 can apply for an IFMC license via the Saral Sanchar portal of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

  1. Satellite-based communication
  2. Direct-Air-to-Ground Communication (DA2GC) systems
  3. Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs)
    These must comply with international standards set by organizations like ITU, ETSI, 3GPP, etc.

Licensees are allowed to provide:

  1. Internet access
  2. Voice calling
  3. Text messaging 

To passengers on board aircraft and ships within Indian jurisdiction.

The Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing of DoT is responsible for assigning the required frequency spectrum for IFMC services.

Yes, security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) may be required before grant of license or deployment of infrastructure.

The IFMC authorization is typically valid for 10 years, unless otherwise specified by DoT.

Applications must be submitted online through the Saral Sanchar portal, along with required documentation and fees.

Only Indian registered companies can apply for IFMC. However, international operators may partner with Indian IFMC license holders for service delivery in Indian airspace/waters.

Yes, provided the foreign airline has partnered with an IFMC licence holder in India, and the equipment used complies with Indian regulatory norms.

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