NMIAL Defends Neutral-Host Telecom Infrastructure Model Against Industry Allegations
NMIAL has defended its neutral-host telecom infrastructure model at Navi Mumbai International Airport against COAI allegations, arguing the approach ensures uniform coverage and mirrors frameworks at major Indian airports. The company denied claims of access denial and excessive pricing, confirming BSNL connectivity is operational and pricing aligns with industry benchmarks. This dispute represents broader industry tensions over telecom infrastructure control at transport hubs as India expands aviation capacity.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (NMIAL) has issued a strong defense of its telecom infrastructure strategy, pushing back against allegations from the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) regarding its neutral-host network deployment at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The airport operator's response addresses key concerns about access, pricing, and operational efficiency in what represents a broader industry dispute over telecom infrastructure control.
Neutral-Host Model Justification
NMIAL emphasized that airports constitute "critical national infrastructure" with complex security and operational requirements that necessitate specialized telecom solutions. The company highlighted that its approach mirrors established frameworks at major Indian airports, creating consistency across the aviation sector.
| Airport Infrastructure Comparison: | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Type: | Single, neutral-host telecom infrastructure |
| Implementation Sites: | Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad airports |
| Coverage Focus: | Uniform coverage across all airport zones |
| Operational Priority: | Safety and efficiency optimization |
The airport operator argued that independent network rollouts by individual telecom service providers often result in uneven coverage, particularly affecting mission-critical areas. NMIAL specifically identified baggage handling areas, utility buildings, and Air Traffic Control facilities as zones that typically receive sub-optimal coverage when operators prioritize high passenger-density areas.
Connectivity and Pricing Clarifications
Addressing allegations about service availability, NMIAL confirmed that Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has been successfully onboarded and is currently providing "fully functional connectivity" at the airport. This contradicts claims that telecom connectivity remains unavailable at the facility.
Regarding pricing concerns, NMIAL firmly denied allegations of seeking annual charges of ₹44.16 crore from telecom companies. The company stated that its neutral-host In-Building Solution (IBS) services pricing aligns with prevailing rates at other public-private partnership airports across India.
| Pricing Framework: | Details |
|---|---|
| Benchmark Standard: | Industry-aligned rates |
| Comparison Base: | Public-private partnership airports |
| Service Type: | Neutral-host In-Building Solution (IBS) |
| Pricing Approach: | Established industry benchmarks |
Access and Stakeholder Engagement
NMIAL categorically denied COAI's assertions regarding Right of Way (RoW) access restrictions, stating it has never denied access to any telecom service provider. The company emphasized its commitment to maintaining regular engagement and transparent communication with telecom operators, consistently offering IBS services on terms comparable with existing industry standards.
The airport operator concluded by reaffirming its collaborative approach, stating its commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure robust, secure, and efficient telecom infrastructure that supports both passenger experience and critical airport operations.
Industry Implications
This dispute reflects broader tensions within India's aviation and telecommunications sectors as the country expands its aviation capacity. The ongoing disagreement between airport operators and telecom companies over infrastructure control, pricing structures, and access rights has increasingly attracted regulatory and policy attention, highlighting the need for standardized approaches to telecom infrastructure at major transport hubs.
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