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Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) has proposed telecom infrastructure charges for service providers that align closely with rates at Mumbai International Airport (MIAL). The move aims to standardise pricing for in building solutions (IBS) and improve passenger connectivity. Telecom companies and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) have raised concerns, citing high costs and restrictions on right-of-way (RoW). NMIAL said the charges reflect higher setup costs of a greenfield airport and outlined measures including free Wi-Fi and clear access instructions to ensure uninterrupted digital connectivity for passengers and airport staff.
Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) has announced plans to charge telecom service providers for in building telecom infrastructure at rates similar to Mumbai International Airport (MIAL). The airport said this step aims to provide consistent connectivity while maintaining infrastructure cost recovery for its greenfield setup. Advertisement
The airport clarified that these charges cover the deployment and maintenance of in-building solutions (IBS) and are designed to ensure strong network coverage across terminals. For monthly operations, NMIAL has suggested a rate of INR 36 lakh per operator, which is about 20 per cent higher than MIAL's comparable rates of INR 29 lakh per operator. For perspective, Mumbai airport's current charges are around INR 69 lakh per month. The airport also indicated that costs for 5G coverage are expected to be roughly 20 per cent higher than for 4G.
This announcement comes amid objections from major telecom operators, who have requested the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to intervene. Operators have claimed that NMIAL has delayed granting right-of-way (RoW) permissions for installing their own telecom infrastructure. They argue that mandatory use of the airport's network limits competition and imposes higher costs on service providers.
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, said NMIAL must provide RoW permissions in a non-discriminatory and timely manner. They stressed that exclusive control over in-building infrastructure could hinder fair competition and delay service deployment for passengers.
To support passenger connectivity during this period, NMIAL has provided free Wi-Fi access across the terminal for passengers, visitors, staff, and cab drivers. The airport has also installed clear signage to guide users on how to log in, and kiosks have been set up to issue one-time passwords against valid identification, in line with government norms.
NMIAL stated that aligning its telecom infrastructure pricing with established benchmarks at major airports is intended to balance cost recovery with quality service. The airport emphasized that its measures are aimed at maintaining uninterrupted connectivity for passengers and staff while ensuring a fair and consistent approach to telecom operations in a new airport environment.
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