Cellular Operators Assn says NMIAL delaying nods; insisting on own network at exorbitant rates
Travellers at Navi Mumbai International Airport have been facing major cellular network connectivity issues. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI
LT Gen Dr SP Kochhar, director general of Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and a former signal officer-in-chief of the Indian Army, has written a letter to Dr Neeraj Mittal, chairman, Digital Communication Commission, and secretary, department of telecommunications, requesting intervention from the ministry regarding telecom arrangements at the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
On December 26, mid-day reported about mobile network issues faced by passengers and visitors at the NMIA. Referring to the article, Lt Gen Kochhar wrote to the ministry that, as the operator Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIA) is a public entity, according to the provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 2023, and the Telecommunications (Right of Way [RoW]) Rules, 2024, it is statutorily obligated to provide RoW permissions in a non-discriminatory and time-bound manner.
In his letter, Lt Gen Kochhar wrote that members of COAI — Bharti Airtel Ltd, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd, and Vodafone Idea Ltd — had approached the NMIAL seeking permission to set up their telecom networks at the airport. “However, contrary to the statutory framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the RoW Rules, 2024, NMIAL has declined to grant the necessary permissions. Instead, NMIAL has directed telecom service providers (TSPs) to mandatorily utilise a network deployed by it, at exorbitant and commercially untenable charges,” the letter read.
The exorbitant and commercially untenable charges the letter mentions are said to be approximately Rs 92 lakh per month from each TSP, which adds up to about Rs 44.16 crore per annum from the TSP. The letter further reads, “These charges are grossly disproportionate and significantly exceed the total capital expenditure ordinarily required for deployment of an independent IBS network [In-Building Solutions, i.e., infrastructure that enhances cellular signals].”
Referring to the mid-day report, Lt Gen Kochhar pointed out that the statement made on notice boards by the NMIAL on the first day of operations is misleading and adversely affects the reputation of the licensed network providers, while the airport operators are yet to give permission for deployment of telecom infrastructure.
NMIAL’s statement
NMIAL said in a statement that it had consciously decided to install state-of-the-art IBS infrastructure for the mobile network as a neutral host based on “the learnings that certain important areas, such as baggage belt, utility buildings, and ATC, get neglected by TSPs in favour of passenger-heavy areas, thereby leading to passenger inconvenience and overall airport inefficiency.”
Stating that the airport is a highly sensitive zone, NMIAL has said that it is best that they manage the frequent servicing, maintenance, and upkeep of the networks, with relevant security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and other security agencies. “The turnaround time for any third party to address any concerns with the network would be substantially more, leading to delays and passenger inconvenience,” the statement read.
NMIAL further said that the RoW had not been denied to any TSPs as the COAI alleges, and that it had regularly communicated and discussed with the TSPs by offering the IBS services at charges in line with the existing industry standards, to which the TSPs are apparently yet to respond.
It further said, “It is also important to mention that IBS has been procured and installed after multiple discussions with individual TSPs. In fact, the government-owned TSP BSNL is already in the advanced phase of testing for the use of IBS at the airport.”
Addressing the current issue of cellular network not being available, NMIAL said that owing to the delay by other TSPs, NMIA was providing free, high-speed Wi-Fi services to provide connectivity to its passengers. “We are rigorously following up with TSPs to conclude the discussions. We welcome individual TSPs to discuss and mutually agree on rates. However, we will not give in to any cartelisation in this regard,” the statement read.
Legislation cited
Telecommunications Act, 2023: It replaces old telecom laws in India and governs networks, services, and spectrum, focusing on development, security, and innovation, introducing concepts like authorisation instead of licences
Requests made
>> Direct NMIAL to grant RoW permissions to licensed TSPs, enabling them to deploy independent 4G/5G and IBS infra at the airport premises
>> Examine and take appropriate action against NMIAL as a UL-VNO licensee for conferring upon itself exclusive RoW for building IBS, violating the terms and conditions of its authorisation/licence
>> Direct NMIAL to refrain from making false allegations against licensed TSPs regarding lack of network coverage at airport, when it is NMIAL that has not granted permissions
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