Navi Mumbai’s newly operational airport is set to see a significant improvement in connectivity for passengers, as the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed airport authorities to allow telecom operators to establish their networks within the premises. This intervention addresses a long-standing issue of limited mobile network access, with travelers currently relying primarily on Wi-Fi since the airport’s launch in December 2025. The move aims to bring seamless mobile connectivity to hundreds of flyers, aligning with the provisions outlined in the Telecommunications Act of 2023.
The DoT’s directive, issued in a letter dated February 16th to Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), which operates the Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL), mandates the granting of Right of Way (RoW) permissions to licensed telecom providers. This action underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring robust telecommunications infrastructure at key public facilities. The letter explicitly states that NMIAL qualifies as a ‘public entity’ under the terms of the Telecommunications Act, thereby obligating it to comply with regulations governing RoW permissions. This decision comes after months of complaints from passengers regarding the lack of reliable mobile service, a situation that has persisted despite the airport’s modern facilities.
The dispute centers around the airport operator’s previous attempts to levy substantial charges on telecom companies for deploying network infrastructure. Private operators – Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea – have been unable to provide service, leaving Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) as the sole provider of active mobile network coverage alongside the available Wi-Fi. The airport had initially proposed fees as high as ₹92 lakh per month per operator, later reduced to ₹36 lakh, a cost that telecom companies deemed unreasonably high and disproportionate to the actual deployment expenses. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) had previously flagged these concerns to the government, seeking intervention to establish a fair and transparent pricing framework.
DoT Cites Public Entity Status, Mandates Non-Discriminatory Access
The DoT’s letter clarifies that, according to the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and its associated rules, Navi Mumbai International Airport is legally defined as a ‘public entity.’ This classification is crucial as it triggers the application of regulations designed to ensure non-discriminatory access for telecom operators. The Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules, 2024, provide the statutory framework for granting permissions for in-building telecom networks, mandating a “non-discriminatory, fair and transparent processing” of RoW applications within prescribed timelines. The Telecommunications Act, 2023, which came into force in November 2023, aims to streamline the telecom sector and facilitate infrastructure development.
The DoT’s directive explicitly requests AAHL to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Telegraph Act, 2023, and to facilitate the establishment of telecom infrastructure in accordance with the statutory framework. While NMIAL and AAHL had not responded to queries as of reports from Business Standard, sources indicate the airport operator is engaging in discussions with telecom companies to find a resolution. This suggests a willingness to address the concerns raised by the DoT and the telecom industry, potentially averting further regulatory action.
Industry Response and Potential Wider Implications
Industry experts suggest the DoT has adopted a measured approach, placing the airport operator on notice regarding its statutory obligations rather than immediately resorting to enforcement. This strategy allows for voluntary compliance and avoids potentially protracted legal battles. A senior industry executive, speaking anonymously, noted that enforcing the ‘public entity’ definition could have broader implications, extending to other existing airports and even metro systems where similar disputes over network access are emerging. This highlights the potential for the DoT’s intervention to set a precedent for resolving similar issues across the country.
The COAI has been a vocal advocate for fair access to in-building telecom infrastructure. They argued that NMIAL, operating with a license as a virtual network operator (VNO), was improperly attempting to control access to essential infrastructure at a public airport, effectively creating a monopolistic situation. Telecom operators maintained that the proposed charges were significantly higher than the costs associated with deploying independent in-building network solutions, hindering their ability to provide services to passengers. The association too appealed to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to develop a cost-based pricing framework for in-building telecom infrastructure at public and captive premises, including airports and metro stations.
The Role of Trai and Future Pricing Frameworks
The intervention by the DoT and the appeal to Trai underscore the need for a clear and consistent regulatory framework governing in-building telecom infrastructure. Currently, the lack of standardized pricing guidelines allows airport operators and other facility managers to potentially impose excessive charges, hindering the expansion of mobile network coverage. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector in India, including setting tariffs and ensuring fair competition. A cost-based pricing framework, as proposed by COAI, would provide greater transparency and predictability for telecom operators, encouraging investment in infrastructure and ultimately benefiting consumers.
The situation at Navi Mumbai Airport reflects a broader trend of increasing demand for seamless connectivity in public spaces. As passengers increasingly rely on mobile devices for communication, entertainment, and work, access to reliable mobile network coverage becomes essential. The DoT’s intervention demonstrates a commitment to addressing this need and ensuring that public facilities are equipped to meet the demands of a digitally connected world. The resolution of this dispute will likely serve as a model for similar situations at other airports and public transportation hubs across India.
Key Takeaways
- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed Navi Mumbai International Airport to grant Right of Way (RoW) permissions to telecom operators.
- The DoT has classified the airport as a ‘public entity’ under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, mandating non-discriminatory access.
- The dispute arose from the airport operator’s attempts to levy high fees on telecom companies for deploying network infrastructure.
- The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has advocated for a cost-based pricing framework for in-building telecom infrastructure.
- This intervention sets a potential precedent for resolving similar connectivity issues at other airports and public facilities.
The next step will be to observe how AAHL responds to the DoT’s directive and whether negotiations with telecom operators lead to a swift resolution. Industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring the situation for any indication of a broader policy shift regarding in-building telecom infrastructure access. Passengers traveling through Navi Mumbai Airport can anticipate improved mobile connectivity in the coming months, pending the successful implementation of these directives. The outcome of this situation will undoubtedly shape the future of mobile network access in public spaces across India.
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