Telecom Operators Challenge Navi Mumbai Airport Over Infrastructure Access

Telecom operators are raising alarms over Navi Mumbai International Airport's refusal to grant Right of Way permissions for infrastructure deployment. This has led to allegations of monopolistic practices by the airport's management, prompting the Cellular Operators Association of India to seek intervention from the Union government. The situation escalated when a notice at the airport indicated limited mobile service availability, urging passengers to rely on free Wi-Fi. The airport operator, however, defends its actions, citing the need for careful management of sensitive infrastructure. This ongoing dispute highlights significant concerns regarding competition and consumer choice in the telecom sector.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 14:05 IST

Telecom Dispute at Navi Mumbai International Airport

Telecom companies have raised concerns that Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited has refused to grant the necessary Right of Way permissions for installing infrastructure to provide cellular services at the newly opened airport. This situation has prompted them to seek assistance from the Union government, as reported by a news outlet.

Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited operates as the special purpose vehicle for the airport, which is managed by Adani Airport Holding Limited, a subsidiary of the Adani Group.

Right of Way permissions are essential approvals that allow telecom firms to utilize public or private land for infrastructure installation and public access.

In a recent communication to the Department of Telecommunications, the Cellular Operators Association of India accused Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited of engaging in monopolistic practices.

This association represents major telecom players such as Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea.

They claimed that the airport operator has established an in-building network and is demanding exorbitant fees that threaten competition and consumer options, according to reports.

The allegations surfaced alongside a social media post showing a notice at the airport indicating that mobile services for Airtel, Vodafone, and Jio might be unavailable, suggesting passengers use the complimentary airport Wi-Fi instead.

In their letter, the Cellular Operators Association of India stated that Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited has refused to provide the required permissions and has mandated telecom service providers to use its network at unreasonably high charges.

The airport operator reportedly requested nearly Rs 92 lakh per month from each operator, totaling around Rs 44.16 crore annually for four operators, as per reports.

These fees are described as excessively high and far beyond the typical capital costs associated with establishing an independent in-building solution (IBS) network.

An IBS network is designed to enhance mobile coverage and data services within large buildings where external signals may be weak, utilizing distributed antennas and small cells.

The association emphasized that the airport qualifies as a public entity under the 2023 Telecommunications Act and the 2024 Telecommunications Right of Way Rules, asserting that the operator is legally required to grant Right of Way permissions in a fair and timely manner for telecom infrastructure installation.

The letter further claimed that Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited has unilaterally assumed exclusive Right of Way permissions, presenting itself as a 'neutral host,' which the association argues is illegal.

This exclusive arrangement effectively stifles competition and forces all licensed telecom providers to operate through a single entity at inflated charges, undermining competition, consumer choice, and regulatory fairness.

Conversely, Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited has refuted these allegations, stating that the airport is a sensitive area and that the maintenance and management of infrastructure are best handled by them, ensuring consistent connectivity throughout the airport.