Adani and Telecom Giants Clash Over 5G Network Access at Navi Mumbai Airport

India's newest aviation hub, the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIAL), faces a major regulatory conflict. The airport, part of the Adani Group dispute, is clashing with India's top telecom operators. Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd, Bharti Airtel Ltd, and Vodafone Idea Ltd are involved. They allege NMIAL is blocking their telecom network rollout at the new facility.

The airport began commercial operations on December 25, 2025. Almost immediately, passengers complained about poor mobile service. Travelers used social media platform X to voice their frustration. The lack of stable cellular coverage impacted basic services like cab bookings.

The Right of Way Flashpoint

The core of the conflict is Right of Way (RoW) permissions. RoW is the legal access needed to install telecom infrastructure. This includes optical fiber and in-building solutions (IBS).

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) represents the telecom companies. They sent a letter to Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal. The COAI alleges NMIAL has denied them permission to deploy their own 4G and 5G connectivity networks.

COAI Director General S.P. Kochhar stated NMIAL is legally obligated to grant RoW. This must be done in a non-discriminatory, time-bound manner. The operators argue the denial violates the Telecommunications Act 2023 and RoW Rules 2024. The 2023 Act mandates that RoW be provided on a non-exclusive basis.

Pricing and Monopolistic Concerns

Instead of granting RoW, NMIAL is allegedly forcing operators to use its pre-deployed network. The COAI calls the required payments "exorbitant." The airport is reportedly seeking about ₹92 lakh per month per operator. This aggregates to nearly ₹44.16 crore per annum for four operators. The telcos argue these exorbitant network charges far exceed the cost of deploying an independent in-building solution infrastructure.

Legal experts suggest the telecom operators have a strong legal position. The RoW framework aims to ensure fair, non-discriminatory access. Forcing telcos to use an exclusive vendor network raises serious concerns. This risks undermining competitive neutrality and statutory compliance.

NMIAL's Defense: Security and Neutral Host Model

NMIAL, which holds a virtual network operator (VNO) licence, defended its position. A spokesperson denied that Right of Way permissions were ever denied. They stated that NMIAL is actively discussing the matter with the telecom service providers (TSPs).

The airport justifies its neutral-host mobile network model on operational grounds. They claim TSPs often neglect critical areas like air traffic control and baggage belts. This leads to service gaps and operational inefficiencies. NMIAL also cited the airport's status as a "highly sensitive zone." They argue the airport operator is best suited for frequent maintenance and upkeep. This requires relevant security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

NMIAL is currently providing free, high-speed Wi-Fi services. They have also partnered with state-owned BSNL for network deployment. The airport spokesperson also warned against "cartelization" by the private operators.

Industry Impact and Regulatory Oversight

This is not the first such Adani Group dispute over RoW in India. Similar conflicts arose with the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL). The operators had previously sought the right to deploy common IBS across four international airports. These include Navi Mumbai, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, and Bengaluru.

Globally, shared or neutral-host models are common at airports. However, they typically operate with open access and reasonable pricing. Creating a monopolistic gatekeeper risks undermining both regulatory intent and consumer choice. The COAI has urged the DoT to direct NMIAL to grant RoW. This is essential for passengers to have reliable 4G and 5G connectivity at the new hub. The outcome of this dispute will set a key precedent for future infrastructure projects in India's rapidly expanding commercial aviation news sector. The aviation industry relies on robust communications for safety and efficiency. This issue is being watched closely by regulators like the FAA and global bodies such as IATA and manufacturers like Airbus. You can find more updates on commercial aviation news at flying.flights.