The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed the upcoming Noida International Airport to permit telecom operators to establish in building network infrastructure in a non-discriminatory, fair and transparent manner. The move is aimed at preventing a situation similar to the recent dispute at Navi Mumbai airport. The DoT stated that the Noida airport qualifies as a public entity under the Telecommunications Act.
The DoT issued the communication after the Cellular Operators Association of India sought advance clarification regarding right of way (RoW) permissions at the Noida airport.
In its letter, the DoT said that the rules under the Act provide a statutory framework for granting RoW permissions to facility providers, including licensed operators, to establish, operate and maintain telecom networks within public buildings. The provisions require that applications be processed in a non-discriminatory, fair and transparent manner within the prescribed timelines and conditions.
A similar letter had been sent earlier in February to the Navi Mumbai airport authorities with the same clarification. Telecom operators are expecting the authorities there to grant the necessary permissions to set up their infrastructure.
