Whalesbook
Airport Operator Rebuts Telecom Industry Claims
Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (NMIAL) has issued a strong defense of its chosen neutral-host telecom infrastructure model for the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The airport operator is directly challenging assertions made by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents major telecom service providers.
NMIAL stated that airports are vital national infrastructure with stringent security and operational requirements. The company highlighted that a single, neutral-host telecom model is the global standard, ensuring consistent coverage, safety, and efficiency across the entire airport. This approach, NMIAL noted, aligns with practices already established at prominent Indian airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
Addressing Coverage and Pricing Concerns
The operator argued that allowing individual telecom firms to deploy their own networks can lead to patchy coverage, particularly in critical areas like baggage handling systems and Air Traffic Control facilities. These zones often receive sub-optimal service as providers prioritize high-traffic passenger areas, potentially disrupting operations and passenger experience. NMIAL rejected claims that telecom connectivity is absent, confirming that state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is already providing fully functional services.
Furthermore, NMIAL denied allegations of seeking substantial annual charges of ₹44.16 crore from telecom companies. The airport operator asserted that the pricing for its In-Building Solution (IBS) services is benchmarked against rates at other public-private partnership airports in India, aligning with industry standards. Concerns regarding Right of Way (RoW) were also dismissed, with NMIAL stating it has maintained transparent communication and never denied access to any telecom service provider.
Path Forward for Airport Connectivity
The company reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure a robust and secure telecom infrastructure. This public exchange comes amid a broader debate across India concerning the control, pricing, and access to in-building telecom networks within major transport hubs, a matter drawing increasing attention from regulatory bodies as the nation expands its aviation capacity.