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What is the story about?
Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (NMIAL) on Wednesday pushed back against allegations by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), defending its decision to deploy a neutral-host telecom infrastructure at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
In a statement, NMIAL said airports are “critical national infrastructure” with complex security and operational needs, and that globally most airports follow a single, neutral-host telecom model to ensure uniform coverage, safety and efficiency. The company said the approach adopted at NMIA mirrors the framework already in place at major Indian airports, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Also read: Monopoly or pricing issue? Telcos move TRAI against NMIAL over connectivity row
NMIAL argued that allowing individual telecom service providers (TSPs) to independently roll out networks within airports often leads to uneven coverage, particularly in mission-critical zones such as baggage handling areas, utility buildings and Air Traffic Control facilities. “These areas typically receive sub-optimal coverage as TSPs tend to prioritise high passenger-density zones,” the company said, adding that such gaps can inconvenience passengers and affect overall airport operations.
Rejecting claims that telecom connectivity is unavailable at the airport, NMIAL said state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has already been onboarded and is providing “fully functional connectivity” at NMIA.
The airport operator also denied allegations that it had sought annual charges of ₹44.16 crore from telecom companies. According to NMIAL, pricing for neutral-host In-Building Solution (IBS) services at NMIA is aligned with rates prevailing at other public-private partnership airports in India and is in line with established industry benchmarks.
On the issue of Right of Way (RoW), NMIAL said it has never denied access to any TSP, countering COAI’s assertion. The company said it has maintained regular engagement and transparent communication with telecom operators and has consistently offered IBS services on terms comparable with existing industry standards.
“NMIAL remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure robust, secure and efficient telecom infrastructure that supports both passenger experience and critical airport operations,” the statement said.
The clarification comes amid an ongoing dispute between airport operators and telecom companies over control, pricing and access to in-building telecom infrastructure at large transport hubs, an issue that has increasingly drawn the attention of regulators and policymakers as India expands its aviation capacity.
In a statement, NMIAL said airports are “critical national infrastructure” with complex security and operational needs, and that globally most airports follow a single, neutral-host telecom model to ensure uniform coverage, safety and efficiency. The company said the approach adopted at NMIA mirrors the framework already in place at major Indian airports, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Also read: Monopoly or pricing issue? Telcos move TRAI against NMIAL over connectivity row
NMIAL argued that allowing individual telecom service providers (TSPs) to independently roll out networks within airports often leads to uneven coverage, particularly in mission-critical zones such as baggage handling areas, utility buildings and Air Traffic Control facilities. “These areas typically receive sub-optimal coverage as TSPs tend to prioritise high passenger-density zones,” the company said, adding that such gaps can inconvenience passengers and affect overall airport operations.
Rejecting claims that telecom connectivity is unavailable at the airport, NMIAL said state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has already been onboarded and is providing “fully functional connectivity” at NMIA.
The airport operator also denied allegations that it had sought annual charges of ₹44.16 crore from telecom companies. According to NMIAL, pricing for neutral-host In-Building Solution (IBS) services at NMIA is aligned with rates prevailing at other public-private partnership airports in India and is in line with established industry benchmarks.
On the issue of Right of Way (RoW), NMIAL said it has never denied access to any TSP, countering COAI’s assertion. The company said it has maintained regular engagement and transparent communication with telecom operators and has consistently offered IBS services on terms comparable with existing industry standards.
“NMIAL remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure robust, secure and efficient telecom infrastructure that supports both passenger experience and critical airport operations,” the statement said.
The clarification comes amid an ongoing dispute between airport operators and telecom companies over control, pricing and access to in-building telecom infrastructure at large transport hubs, an issue that has increasingly drawn the attention of regulators and policymakers as India expands its aviation capacity.
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