NELCO Secures In-Flight & Maritime Connectivity Licence From DoT

Tatanet Services Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nelco Limited (NELCO) and India’s fastest growing Satellite Communication service provider, has recently obtained the Authorisation (license) from Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Govt. of India for providing in-flight & maritime connectivity (IFMC) services. This Authorisation has been granted under the flight & maritime connectivity rules 2018, announced by the Central Government.

Data and voice communication services are very widely available in India due to advancement in cellular and fiber infrastructure across the country. Now the IFMC license will make it possible to have uninterrupted access to Voice, Data & Video services while also travelling on aircrafts, sailing vessels, cruise liners etc. in India, using satellite technology.

Speaking on this new development P J Nath, MD & CEO of NELCO said “Internet and voice communication while sailing or flying within Indian waters and airspace are important needs but not fulfilled so far due to regulatory restrictions. The license for IFMC services by DoT will now make it possible for people to access high quality Broadband Internet services and make voice calls while flying in Indian airspace and sailing in Indian waters, in the same manner that they do while at home or office. We are ready to serve the broadband internet requirements for Aero & Maritime segments and are in active discussions with some potential customers to offer these services soon.”

Nelco has an advanced ground infrastructure and satellite coverage over India and currently serves the business-critical needs of various users like ATMs, Petrol Pumps, Bank Branches, off-shore rigs for oil & gas exploration etc. It is also geared to serve the needs of these new market segments, particularly the Maritime segments. The company is in dialogue with Department of Space (DoS) & ISRO to further augment its satellite infrastructure as required, to offer high quality IFMC services.

This license besides enabling connectivity solutions to the individual users on-board the aircraft and ships, also brings in newer possibilities of real-time communication of on-board systems and brings operational efficiencies to improve business productivity for the airlines and shipping companies, which were not so evolved until now.

This new development will further add to the future growth of NELCO, as the demand for IFMC services is high. During the nine months ending Dec 31^st, 2018 the Revenue of Consolidated NELCO was Rs 139.50 Crores and Profit Before Tax was Rs. 13.9 Crores, which showed a growth of 26% and 39% respectively, compared to the corresponding period of previous year.―CT Bureau