Did Navi Mumbai Airport Deny Right of Way to Telecom Operators?

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), owned by the Adani Group, has strongly denied allegations of blocking Right of Way (RoW) for telecom service providers (TSPs). The airport operator stated it welcomes individual rate discussions. However, NMIA emphasized it will not agree to what it calls cartelisation on pricing for its telecom services.

Background to the Telecom Infrastructure Dispute

The dispute centers on the deployment of telecom In-Building Solution (IBS) network infrastructure. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) wrote to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). COAI alleged that NMIA denied RoW permissions for its members to install their own 4G and 5G networks. Instead, the association claims NMIA is compelling operators to use the airport’s pre-installed network.

Allegations of Excessive Charges

COAI, which represents major TSPs like Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, reported the airport seeks exorbitant fees. The alleged charge is approximately ₹92 lakh per month per operator. This fee is claimed to be far higher than the typical cost of deploying an independent IBS network. The association argues these fees violate the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and the RoW Rules, 2024. Under these rules, RoW charges should be limited to administrative and restoration costs.

NMIA's Defense and Regulatory Compliance

NMIA countered the claims, asserting that RoW has never been denied to any TSP. The airport operator stated it installed a state-of-the-art neutral host IBS after discussions with individual TSPs. This approach ensures coverage in critical operational zones. These areas include the baggage belt, utility buildings, and air traffic control (ATC).

Security and Operational Efficiency

The airport operator defended its centralized network management model. NMIA stated the airport is a highly sensitive zone. Frequent servicing and maintenance are required. The airport operator manages this best with BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security) clearance. A third party would face a substantially longer turnaround time. This could lead to delays and passenger inconvenience. The airport maintains its offered rates align with existing industry standards.

Regulatory and Passenger Impact

COAI’s appeal to the DoT seeks intervention to enforce the statutory framework. The Telecommunications Act, 2023, requires public entities, including airports, to grant RoW on a non-discriminatory and non-exclusive basis. The resolution of this dispute is critical for seamless mobile connectivity at the new hub.

• Current Status: State-owned BSNL is already in the advanced testing phase for using the IBS. Other TSPs are yet to conclude discussions.
• Passenger Mitigation: Due to the delay by other TSPs, NMIA is providing free, high-speed Wi-Fi services to all passengers.

This ongoing conflict highlights the tension between airport operational control and the mandate for competitive telecom infrastructure in India. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights. The DoT's final ruling will set a precedent for future airport telecom arrangements across the country. The outcome will affect airport revenue models and passenger mobile connectivity standards. The Adani Group-owned Navi Mumbai International Airport is a key entity in this regulatory test case. The Cellular Operators Association of India continues to push for independent network deployment. The Department of Telecommunications is expected to weigh the arguments against the new national telecom framework.