Looking beyond SMS
Rich Communication Services is the way forward A distinction should be made between low cost carriers and low-fare airlines. The latter tend to play by the rules — in terms of labour, airport obligations, leasing aircraft
The success of today’s digital communications is largely predicated on the remarkable success of the mobile standard — GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). First introduced in Finland in 1991, this foremost global digital technology standard has always been based on the philosophy of continuous evolution, smoothly transitioning through several generations to today’s coveted 5G.
However, there is one gross anachronism in the dynamic GSM world and that is the texting product — Short Message Service or SMS.
The story of SMS stands out in telecommunications as a technology that e ectively demolished Paging service but itself stood frozen in time while the world around it hurtled forward into the future. Born in December 1992, SMS was a revolutionary concept — a simple yet e ective tool for sending short text messages over cellular networks. While mobile technology continuously evolved from 2G to today’s 5G, SMS languished, clinging to an outdated standard.
SMS’s limitations became increasingly apparent in the face of the burgeoning demands of the digital age. With the rise of smartphones and data connectivity, users seek multimedia experiences, seamless communication, and robust security measures to safeguard their interactions.
No wonder therefore that SMS is now being mainly used for service messages, in particular for the delivery of OTPs to enable two-factor authentication for internet banking. However, SMS lacks end-to-end encryption, leaving messages vulnerable to interception and unauthorised access. This poses significant risks, especially in this age of deepfakes, rampant cyber threats and scams.
The vulnerability of SMS prompted GSMA (GSM Association) to establish a robust unified messaging ecosystem under the oversight of mobile operators, called RCS (Rich Communication Services). This operator-controlled approach ensures greater consistency, interoperability, and security in messaging, providing users with a more seamless and reliable communication experience.
RCS, being designed to accommodate evolution, meets the demands of today’s interconnected world. Unlike its antiquated predecessor, RCS o er a rich array of features, from high-resolution images and videos to group chats and read receipts. It represents a paradigm shift in mobile messaging, embracing the modern era of digital communication while retaining the ubiquity and reliability of SMS.
But perhaps the most compelling aspect of RCS lies in its approach to security. With end-to-end encryption and stringent security protocols, RCS o ers users peace of mind, knowing that their messages are shielded from prying eyes and malicious actors.
Maintaining interoperability with traditional SMS as well as modern messaging systems, RCS ensures seamless communication between users on di erent platforms and devices.
India, with its digital ambitions and rising smartphone user base, stands to benefit immensely from the adoption of RCS as a national standard for messages. Using RCS, India can not only enhance the e ciency of its communication networks but also safeguard the privacy and security of its citizens.
Moreover, RCS holds immense potential for enterprise services, o ering businesses a powerful tool for engaging with customers and streamlining communication processes. With features like branded messages, interactive experiences, and secure transactions, RCS empowers businesses to forge deeper connections with their audience while ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of their interactions. For these reasons, some operators have already started using RCS for enterprise services.
For India, RCS promises to usher in a new era of communication, innovation, and security.
Vistara has for now said that it is committed to providing “fair and equitable opportunities to its employees.” But as Air India prepares for merger there is still a sense of unease among the employees.
Though the issue was festering for a month, leading to cancellation of 100 flights or more per day, it concluded well with the CEO apologising in a town hall that he will consider the working conditions of the pilots and ensure work-life balance and rostering.
While there are two issues to this, one being the merger between Air India, Vistara and Air India Express resulting in bringing the salaries on a par with Vistara which was doing well as compared to the other two airlines.
However, this episode has brought out the larger issue of having labour laws specific to the aviation industry. At present, industrial labour laws apply to aviation, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ‘codes’ tweaking them. However, these codes do not have clear legislative sanction.
Back in 1996, this author had a chance to meet and work with Dewang Mehta of Nasscom briefly on the need for sector-specific laws, especially for the ITeS industry which was still at its infancy.
It was the first service sector to provide special working conditions for the employees, especially women who could work late night. This has led to the IT and ITeS sectors being one of the largest employers — of women as well.
The same holds good for the Indian aviation industry. All the larger markets have specific legislation to provide proper working conditions not only for pilots but also for other employees in the aviation sector.
HIGHLY REGULATED
Due to the risk in aviation operations, it is perhaps the most regulated industry due to emphasis on safety and health and has the most stringent norms — from the drivers having a special driving licence to drive airside to the pilots who have to be trained continually.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe, and other national aviation authorities enforce strict standards for safety and health, directly impacting employment practices in the industry. The rules are arrived at through a consultative process.
Asian airlines in the Middle East and South-East Asia have found solutions for their own problems based on their local conditions and needs, considering that airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar and Singapore Airlines are critical for the local economies.
It is important that we find an Indian solution for our problems through consensus but, at the same time, see that the international standards are not violated. The unique operational demands of the aviation industry necessitate specific regulations concerning working hours and rest periods for crew members.
Laws and regulations, often informed by scientific research on circadian rhythms and fatigue, stipulate maximum flight duty periods, minimum rest times between shifts, and annual leave entitlements.
These rules are designed to ensure workers and passenger safety.
The aviation industry is no stranger to change, with technological advancements, structural changes in industry, and global events continually reshaping the landscape of aviation labour.
The rise of low-cost carriers (LCCs), the impact of digital technologies on employment, and the unprecedented /challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic have all necessitated
The writer has worked in infrastructure, aviation and SEZ in the last 25 years and is currently a doctoral candidate in NALSAR, Hyderabad