NEWS RELEASE

The ICTA Releases A Decision On Mobile
Communication Services On Aircraft

Port Louis:  The ICT Authority has decided that foreign aircraft engaged in innocent passage in Mauritian airspace can be allowed to operate Mobile Communication Services on Aircraft (MCA Services) as long as they respect conditions laid out in a recommendation by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO. However, MCA services will not be deployed on board Mauritian registered aircraft until such time when the appropriate conditions regarding aircraft safety are determined in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Department.

In making its decision, the ICT Authority took into consideration the advice of the Department of Civil Aviation which was in turn based on a recommendation of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, namely that certification of MCA Systems be withheld until all the potential effects of the GSM on board aircraft are studied and safety requirements are met.

This latest decision of the ICT Authority follows a consultation exercise between 1st July 2009 and 1st August 2009 to seek the views of all stakeholders to determine the authorisation procedure for the operation of Mobile Communication Services on Aircraft (MCA) on board Mauritian aircraft as well as on board foreign aircraft engaged in innocent passage in Mauritian airspace. The decision is available on the Authority’s website http://www.icta.mu

Emtel Ltd, the Department of Civil Aviation of Mauritius, Aeromobile from UK and Onair from Switzerland were the four respondents to this consultation.

17 May 2010