Daily Current Affairs : 3 -January-2025

Air India, a prominent airline under the Tata Group, has taken a significant step by becoming the first Indian carrier to provide in-flight internet services on domestic flights. This move brings a new level of convenience and connectivity to passengers flying within India.

What is In-Flight Internet?

In-flight internet allows passengers to stay connected during their flight, providing access to various online services like:

  • Browsing the web
  • Streaming content
  • Sending messages

This service ensures that even while in the air, travelers can continue their digital activities, making their flying experience more enjoyable and productive.

How In-Flight Internet Works

There are two main technologies used to provide internet connectivity on aircraft:

1. Air-to-Ground (ATG) Connectivity
  • Uses antennas installed beneath the aircraft to connect to ground-based cellular towers.
  • This system works best in regions where there is a dense network of towers, such as on land.
2. Satellite-Based Connectivity
  • Involves antennas on top of the aircraft that communicate with satellites orbiting the earth.
  • This method is ideal for flights over oceans or remote areas where there are no ground towers.
Signal Transmission

The signal transmission process for in-flight internet involves multiple steps:

  • Passengers’ devices connect to the Wi-Fi antenna inside the cabin.
  • Signals are passed through an onboard server.
  • For satellite-based systems, the signals are sent to satellites and then to ground stations before returning.
  • For ATG systems, the signals travel directly between the aircraft and ground stations.
Features and Benefits

Offering in-flight internet brings several advantages to passengers:

  • Enhanced Passenger Experience: Travelers can browse, stream, or message during the flight, improving their overall experience.
  • Convenience: Airlines often integrate in-flight internet with their existing digital portals, making it easy to use.
  • Flexibility: The service is compatible with multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Limitations of In-Flight Wi-Fi

Despite its benefits, in-flight Wi-Fi has some challenges:

  • Slower Speeds: Internet speeds are often slower compared to ground-based connections due to the technology used.
  • High Costs: The installation and maintenance of the necessary equipment are expensive, which could result in charges for passengers.
  • Limited Coverage: ATG technology struggles to provide a strong signal over large bodies of water or in very remote locations.
Important Points:
  • Air India becomes the first Indian airline to offer in-flight internet on domestic flights.
  • In-flight internet allows passengers to browse, stream, and message while flying.
  • Two main technologies for in-flight internet:
    • Air-to-Ground (ATG): Connects to ground-based cellular towers.
    • Satellite-Based Connectivity: Connects to satellites, offering wider coverage, especially over oceans and remote areas.
  • Signal Transmission:
    • Devices connect to in-cabin Wi-Fi antennae.
    • Signals are transmitted through an onboard server, then either to satellites or directly to ground stations.
  • Features & Benefits:
    • Enhanced passenger experience: Access to browsing, streaming, and messaging.
    • Convenience: Easy integration with airline portals.
    • Flexibility: Works with multiple devices.
  • Limitations of In-Flight Wi-Fi:
    • Slower speeds: Compared to ground-based internet due to technological constraints.
    • High costs: Expensive installation and maintenance could lead to passenger charges.
    • Limited coverage: ATG struggles over large water bodies or remote areas.
Why In News

Air India, a flagship airline under the Tata Group, has made history by becoming the first Indian airline to offer in-flight internet on domestic flights, enhancing the travel experience for passengers and setting a new benchmark in the country’s aviation industry.

MCQs about Air India Launches In-Flight Wi-Fi on Domestic Flights
  1. Which airline became the first Indian carrier to offer in-flight internet on domestic flights?
    A. IndiGo
    B. Air India
    C. SpiceJet
    D. Vistara
    Correct Answer: B. Air India
    Explanation: Air India, part of the Tata Group, became the first Indian airline to offer in-flight internet on domestic flights, enhancing passenger connectivity.
  2. What is the primary advantage of satellite-based in-flight internet connectivity?
    A. Faster speeds
    B. Better coverage over oceans and remote areas
    C. Lower costs
    D. Requires no equipment installation
    Correct Answer: B. Better coverage over oceans and remote areas
    Explanation: Satellite-based connectivity ensures better coverage, particularly in remote areas or over oceans where ground towers are not available.
  3. What are the two main technologies used for providing in-flight internet?
    A. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
    B. Air-to-Ground (ATG) and Satellite-Based Connectivity
    C. 5G and Fiber Optic
    D. Cellular Data and Wi-Fi
    Correct Answer: B. Air-to-Ground (ATG) and Satellite-Based Connectivity
    Explanation: The two primary technologies for in-flight internet are ATG and satellite-based connectivity, providing seamless access depending on the location of the aircraft.
  4. Which of the following is a limitation of in-flight Wi-Fi as mentioned in the essay?
    A. Unlimited data usage
    B. Extremely fast speeds
    C. Limited coverage over remote areas
    D. Availability on all flights
    Correct Answer: C. Limited coverage over remote areas
    Explanation: One limitation of ATG technology is that it struggles to provide strong signals over large bodies of water or in very remote locations.

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