The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has sought the intervention of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) over the alleged denial of right of way (RoW) permissions by Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIAL). COAI has accused NMIAL of creating an exclusive, monopolistic in-building telecom arrangement at a public airport.
In a letter to TRAI, COAI urged the regulator to define and enforce a cost-based pricing framework, along with suitable price ceilings, for in-building telecom infrastructure in cases where a single entity exercises monopoly control over access at public or captive premises such as airports, metro stations and similar locations.
COAI said regulatory intervention is necessary to address what it described as a structural issue, warning that if left unchecked, the model could be replicated across other public infrastructure projects, potentially impacting competition and consumer experience.
COAI argued that NMIAL, as the entity responsible for the development, operations and management of a public airport, qualifies as a public entity under the Telecommunications Act and RoW rules. It added that public premises such as airports are expected to facilitate telecom network deployment by licensed telecom service providers (TSPs), including in-building solutions (IBS), to ensure seamless connectivity for passengers, visitors, airport staff and other users.
In addition, the association said RoW rules govern the deployment and operation of telecom infrastructure across public and private properties and asserted that NMIAL is required to grant RoW permissions in a transparent, non-discriminatory and time-bound manner. However, COAI claimed NMIAL has instead insisted that all operators must mandatorily use a network deployed by NMIAL or its affiliate, on terms set unilaterally and at charges that are commercially unviable.
Further, COAI said its member operators were informed that NMIAL is seeking payments of around Rs 9.2 million per month per operator, aggregating to nearly Rs 441.6 million annually for four mobile operators. It added that such charges appear prima facie inconsistent with RoW Rules, which permit recovery only of reasonable operational expenses and restoration costs.
NMIAL refuted the allegations, stating that airports are critical national infrastructure and have unique security requirements. It also said claims that mobile connectivity will be unavailable at the upcoming airport are factually incorrect. NMIAL added that it has not denied RoW permissions to any TSP, remains in regular communication with operators, and has offered IBS services at rates consistent with prevailing industry standards.
Moreover, COAI has urged TRAI to recommend directions to ensure public entities grant RoW permissions to licensed TSPs on a non-discriminatory basis. Alternatively, it said any shared infrastructure mandated at such locations should be provided on regulated, transparent and cost-oriented terms.
