Brazilian Lawmakers Eye Compulsory Free Internet on Domestic Flights

In a new display of creativity from legislators regarding the regulation of the airline industry, the committees of the Chamber of Deputies and Senators in Brazil will analyze a bill that proposes to compel airlines in that country to offer passengers free internet access on domestic flights lasting more than two hours.

The bill is numbered 1900/23, and aims to make this service a mandatory inclusion in the Brazilian Aeronautical Code (Law 7.565/86), reports our affiliated media in Brazil, Aeroin.

According to the proposed bill, the onboard internet service must comply with the broadband requirements regulated by the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL).

“This functionality offers passengers the possibility to stay connected during flights, for work or leisure, adding value to the air transport service and enhancing the comfort of passengers,” states the author, deputy Nicoletti (Union-RR), who believes that the measure could stimulate the demand for air tickets.

Of course, what the legislator might be unaware of, or perhaps chooses to overlook in order to pander to populism with the finances of the airlines, are the costs associated with offering onboard internet, both in the installation of equipment on commercial aircraft and in data usage.

Brazil has a history of measures in this regard, for instance, until 2017 it was one of the few countries that required the inclusion of checked baggage in all air fares. Likewise, airlines are still unable to charge for cabin luggage up to 10 kg.

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