Aqua Line mobile phone network row continues as telcos allege consumer-first proposal ignored

Earlier, in a note put up at stations, authorities urged commuters to use tickets in the app in offline mode before entering the station. Representational Pic/File

Even as Vodafone Idea has restored its network in the city's first underground Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3, telecom operators have now alleged that the MMRCL has ignored the "consumer-first" proposal of telcos.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) on Sunday clarified that telecom service providers are always willing to provide connectivity through IBS. "However, in the instant case, Mumbai Metro has created a monopoly on providing connectivity exclusively through a third-party vendor, and is now trying to extract monopolistic and extortionate rents for providing the mobile network," Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI said.

IN PHOTOS: BJP workers protest at Turkish bakery in Mumbai`s Fort

1 month agoPHOTO GALLERY

"As per the new Telecommunication Act and RoW Rules therein, a public authority cannot deny providing Right of Way to TSPs in a public place - which is exactly what is being done by the Mumbai Metro," he said.

"In order to minimise disruptions, TSPs had offered a common network for facilitating mobile connectivity which has been ignored by the Mumbai Metro. One must note that deploying such network(s) is the norm, even in important places like the PWD tunnel in Pragati Maidan or the Central Vista, wherein the TSPs are laying infrastructure without paying any cost to anyone (including any third party). Mumbai Metro is quoting precedence for appointing a third-party vendor and denying RoW to TSPs. It may be noted that wrong precedence does not make a legitimate one, and the industry is separately addressing the issue of such monopolies being created, with a view to stopping such extortionate practices," he explained.

"TSPs are always willing to incur Capex for setting up a network inside the Metro, despite any additional incremental revenue. However, paying extortionate rates to Mumbai Metro for such a network is not viable. It should be noted that services were being offered on a trial basis by all TSPs, pending finalisation of a formal agreement," he clarified.

"Furthermore, to support uninterrupted connectivity for Mumbai Metro commuters, TSPs had proposed providing mobile connectivity free of cost without any payment to either the third-party vendor or Mumbai Metro, until commercial terms could be mutually agreed upon. This was communicated through a joint letter by TSPs dated 7th April 2025. However, this reasonable and consumer-first proposal was ignored by the Mumbai Metro," he added.

Keywords: