The dispute between telecom operators and Adani-backed Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) has escalated to regulatory authorities, with major telecom companies seeking intervention from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has filed a complaint on behalf of Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, highlighting concerns over mobile connectivity issues and infrastructure access at the newly operational airport.

Core Issues in the Dispute

The primary contention revolves around NMIAL's refusal to grant Right of Way (RoW) permissions, which are essential approvals that allow telecom companies to lay cables and install equipment such as towers for network deployment. According to the operators, this refusal has created significant barriers to providing adequate mobile coverage at the airport, leading to passenger complaints about patchy or non-existent network connectivity.

The operators have raised concerns about NMIAL's approach to telecom infrastructure management:

• Deployment of airport's own infrastructure instead of allowing operator networks
• Implementation of an airport-mandated neutral host model
• Creation of what operators describe as a monopolistic arrangement
• Refusal to provide standard RoW permissions for independent network deployment

Financial Demands and Pricing Concerns

The financial aspect of the dispute centers on NMIAL's pricing structure for telecom infrastructure access. The airport operator is seeking substantial monthly payments from telecom companies for network access.

The telecom operators argue that these charges are excessive and create an unfair pricing structure that limits competition and affects service quality for passengers.

Regulatory Intervention Sought

The COAI has requested TRAI to implement several regulatory measures to address the ongoing dispute. The operators are seeking comprehensive directions that would establish clear guidelines for telecom infrastructure deployment in public spaces like airports.

Key regulatory requests include:

• Mandatory directions for all public entities, including airports, to allow RoW for telecom operators
• Implementation of cost-based pricing frameworks for shared infrastructure in public areas
• Establishment of price ceilings on charges levied by airports and metro operators on telecom service providers
• Ensuring fair and non-discriminatory access to infrastructure deployment

Industry Response and Passenger Impact

The telecom operators have rejected NMIAL's statements attributing connectivity issues to delays by telecom companies, describing such claims as misleading. The dispute has resulted in tangible impacts on passenger experience, with complaints about inadequate mobile network coverage at the airport becoming a significant concern for travelers using the newly operational facility.

The case highlights broader issues in the telecom infrastructure sector regarding access to public spaces and the balance between infrastructure sharing and competitive network deployment. The outcome of TRAI's intervention could set important precedents for similar disputes involving airports, metro systems, and other public infrastructure operators across India.

A significant dispute has emerged between major telecom operators and Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIAL) over network deployment permissions, potentially affecting mobile connectivity for passengers at the airport terminal. The conflict centers around allegations of monopolistic practices and disagreements over commercial arrangements for telecom infrastructure.

Telcos Raise Monopolistic Concerns

Telecom service providers have formally written to the Department of Telecom, alleging that NMIAL has created a "monopolistic arrangement" by refusing to grant Right of Way (RoW) permissions for independent network deployment. The operators claim the airport is mandating the use of its own network infrastructure at what they describe as commercially untenable rates.

The financial implications are substantial, as outlined in the telcos' complaint:

Government Intervention Sought

The telecom operators are seeking Central government intervention on multiple fronts. They want the Department of Telecom to pressure NMIAL into granting RoW permissions for independent network setup. Additionally, they are requesting action against the Adani-backed airport for allegedly violating license terms and conditions through the creation of an impermissible monopolistic arrangement.

The telcos have also objected to NMIAL's public statements attributing network connectivity issues to the operators themselves, maintaining that the permissions remain pending on the airport's end.

Airport's Counter-Allegations

Navi Mumbai International Airport has strongly rejected the monopolistic allegations, instead accusing the telecom operators of engaging in cartelisation. The airport maintains that it has not withheld RoW permissions and has provided alternative infrastructure solutions.

NMIAL's position includes several key points:

• Provision of in-house In-Building Solution (IBS) infrastructure for mobile networks
• Offering IBS infrastructure usage at industry-standard charges
• BSNL already in advanced testing phase for IBS utilization
• Ongoing discussions with telecom service providers for rate agreements

Current Status and Impact

The dispute has created a standoff that directly impacts passenger experience, with mobile network connectivity potentially unavailable at the airport terminal for Airtel, Jio, and Vi users. NMIAL attributes the connectivity issues to delays by telecom operators in finalizing commercial arrangements for IBS infrastructure usage.

The airport has expressed willingness to engage with individual telecom service providers, stating it is "rigorously following up with TSPs to conclude the discussions" and welcomes operators to "discuss and mutually agree to rates." However, the fundamental disagreement over infrastructure control and pricing remains unresolved, requiring potential regulatory intervention to ensure passenger connectivity services.