Proposal for in-flight internet access submitted by ACMA

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has put forward a proposal for the introduction of in-flight internet and communications services for passengers, but Telstra isn’t so keen on the deal.

Last year, ACMA released a discussion paper in which it specified a plan for small mobile network stations to be installed on board an aircraft, to be connected to ground networks via satellite.

This device would block certain networks, and would only allow handsets to access a certain number of features. However, in a submission, Telstra has said such a proposal would be inferior to using its own network.

“Contrary to the assumption made by the ACMA, it is Telstra’s view that its terrestrial mobile network would support high speed data services on mobile devices operated in-flight, and that use of multiple mobile phones aboard aircraft does not cause any material technical issue for underlying terrestrial mobile networks to which those mobile phones and devices are connected.”

“Telstra’s view is that the ACMA ought to consult further and facilitate a study as to whether there are grounds to consider a change to prevailing Australian policy that prohibits mobile device use with terrestrial networks for data services aboard aircraft.”