Telcos Seek TRAI Intervention Over Connectivity Dispute at Navi Mumbai Airport

Telecom operators Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, through the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), have approached the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) over connectivity issues at the newly opened Navi Mumbai International Airport. They allege that the airport operator, NMIAL, has denied Right of Way permissions for deploying their own 4G and 5G networks, instead mandating use of a single in-building solution (IBS) network with high charges. NMIAL denies these claims, stating its neutral-host IBS ensures uniform coverage and operational efficiency, similar to other major Indian airports. COAI seeks TRAI intervention to ensure non-discriminatory access, cost-based pricing, and regulatory oversight to prevent monopolistic practices at public infrastructure sites.