Telcos Escalate Navi Mumbai Airport Connectivity Row to TRAI

By Ajjay Bhagyakar | Published by Griha Realty

Source: Business Standard & News

Source: Business Standard

India’s leading telecom operators — Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea — have formally approached the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) seeking regulatory intervention in a brewing dispute over mobile network connectivity at the newly opened Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).

In a detailed letter dated January 13, 2026, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) urged TRAI to examine and intervene in what they allege to be an exclusive, monopolistic in-building telecom arrangement imposed by the airport operator, Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL).

Core Issues Raised by Telecom Operators

COAI’s submissions highlight several major concerns:

📍 Denial of Right-of-Way (RoW)COAI says NMIAL has declined permission for licensed telecom providers to deploy their own mobile infrastructure inside the airport, a requirement under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and RoW Rules.

📍 Exclusive In-Building NetworkInstead of allowing individual networks, NMIAL reportedly mandates all operators to use a single in-building solution (IBS) deployed by the airport or its affiliate.

📍 High Charges & Lack of RegulationCOAI claims that the airport is charging about ₹92 lakh per operator per month (nearly ₹44.16 crore annually for four major telcos), which they argue is disproportionate and unrelated to actual infrastructure costs.

Telcos warn that such unregulated charges and exclusionary practices could create a market failure, harm competition and set a risky precedent for other public places such as airports and metro stations.

What COAI Wants from TRAI

The association has asked TRAI to:

📌 Establish a cost-based pricing framework📌 Set price ceilings for in-building telecom infrastructure📌 Ensure non-discriminatory RoW access to licensed telecom providers📌 Issue clear directions to prevent misinformation about network coverage caused by delays in granting permissions

Airport’s Response ( Telcos Escalate Navi Mumbai Airport Connectivity Row to TRAI )

NMIAL has firmly rejected telcos’ allegations, saying:

✔ Mobile connectivity is available at the airport.✔ Right-of-Way has not been denied.✔ The IBS model follows international and domestic airport norms, providing a unified network to ensure reliable coverage in all zones, including security and baggage areas.✔ Pricing for neutral-host services is consistent with industry practices used at major airports nationwide.

What This Means for Travellers

Passengers had reported weak voice and data signals following the airport’s launch — a concern that has drawn public attention on social media and travel forums.

As the regulatory process unfolds, millions of flyers could see improved connectivity if TRAI steps in, or continued reliance on airport-provided networks. Telcos Escalate Navi Mumbai Airport Connectivity Row to TRAI

Stay tuned for updates as this dispute progresses and the regulator responds. ✈️📶