Whalesbook
Connectivity Crisis Hits NMIA and Aqua Line
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and Mumbai Metro's Aqua Line are the latest infrastructure projects facing significant passenger frustration due to a lack of mobile phone service. The issue arises from a financial stalemate between mobile network operators—Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea—and the facility operators, Adani Airports Holdings (AAHL) and Mumbai Metro Rail Corp. (MMRCL), concerning fees for network access.
Exorbitant Charges Spark Dispute
Adani Airports is demanding ₹92 lakh per operator per month for connectivity at NMIA. Telecom companies argue these charges are commercially unviable and violate right-of-way (RoW) principles, which suggest providing in-building access on a cost basis rather than for profit generation. AAHL seeks to recover its substantial greenfield development costs rapidly, targeting a three-year breakeven period, which telcos deem unrealistic.
Telcos Push Back and Explore Options
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing the private telcos, has informed the telecom secretary that AAHL's demand far exceeds typical rates. They cite lower charges of ₹15-20 lakh per month at Delhi's Terminal 1 and ₹45 lakh at Mumbai's existing airport (CSMIA). In response, telcos are reviewing contracts at other airports, like Delhi and Hyderabad, and have begun renegotiating existing terms. They have also queried the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding connectivity charges for the Dwarka Expressway tunnel.
Operator Justification and Alternatives
Adani Airports CEO Arun Bansal defended the higher charges at NMIA, explaining they are necessary to recoup initial development costs for the greenfield airport, unlike established facilities. He noted an offer for operators to install equipment manufactured in India and operate for two years without charges, an incentive thus far only accepted by state-owned BSNL.
Regulatory Intervention Pending
On the Aqua Line, telcos are negotiating with ACES, the operator responsible for the metro's telecom infrastructure, which has invested approximately ₹120 crore. Mumbai Metro Rail Corp. stated that higher costs are justifiable given Mumbai's real estate rates. A crucial meeting involving the Department of Telecom is scheduled for mid-month to address this growing conflict.