Overview
- COAI, representing Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea, wrote to telecom secretary Neeraj Mittal on Dec. 30 alleging Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd denied Right of Way for independent 4G/5G and in‑building deployments.
- The lobby group says the airport is directing carriers to use its installed network at about Rs 92 lakh per month per operator, a level it calls grossly disproportionate under RoW rules that allow only administrative and restoration costs.
- NMIAL counters that permissions have not been refused, says an in‑building solution was installed after talks with operators, and notes BSNL is in advanced testing while free high‑speed Wi‑Fi is being provided for passengers.
- The airport defends a neutral‑host model on security and operational grounds, citing sensitive zones and BCAS clearances, and says it will negotiate individually on rates but will not accept what it calls cartelisation.
- Travelers reported spotty cellular service since flights began on Dec. 25, and DoT intervention sought by COAI now sets up a regulatory decision on access and pricing at the new airport.