Airtel Initiates Network Trials at Navi Mumbai Airport as Pricing Dispute Lingers
In a significant development for air travelers, telecom giant Bharti Airtel has commenced testing mobile signals at the newly inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). This move marks a crucial step towards restoring cellular connectivity at the facility, which has been operational for over a month without network coverage from private telecom operators. The lack of service has caused persistent connectivity issues for passengers, highlighting the urgency of resolving the ongoing impasse.
Progress Amidst Persistent Challenges
According to sources familiar with the matter, Airtel has begun Proof of Concept trials to evaluate the viability of providing mobile network services at various sections of the terminal. "The test signals are working smoothly," noted one insider, adding that the airport will monitor signal efficacy for several more days. Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea has brought its testing equipment to the site and is expected to start similar trials shortly. However, Reliance Jio has not yet initiated any testing activities.
Despite these advancements, passengers will not be able to access Airtel's network until commercial terms are agreed upon between the telecom operator and the airport authorities. Disagreements over pricing remain the primary obstacle, delaying the full rollout of mobile connectivity from private operators.
The Core of the Pricing Standoff
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has sought intervention from the government and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to address the issue. Telecom operators allege that NMIA has quoted "exorbitantly high" charges for deploying mobile infrastructure inside the airport. Specifically, NMIA has requested approximately ₹92 lakh per month per operator, which would amount to nearly ₹44.16 crore annually for four operators.
In response, the airport proposed reduced charges aligned with pricing at Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), around ₹40 lakh per month. However, operators rejected this proposal, arguing that the fees are unreasonable given the airport's footfall. For context, at other major airports like Delhi, operators pay between ₹10–12 lakh per month. TRAI is currently examining these pricing concerns to facilitate a resolution.
Additional Hurdles and Industry Perspectives
Beyond pricing, telecom operators have raised concerns about being denied right of way (RoW) permissions for installing infrastructure. NMIA has countered this claim, stating that RoW has never been denied to any service provider. To mitigate connectivity gaps, the airport has deployed its own in-building solution as a neutral-host mobile network, allowing operators to offer coverage through the airport's indoor system instead of installing separate equipment.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, recently commented on the situation, emphasizing the need for balance. "Customers have to be served everywhere," he said, referencing the Indian Telegraph Act. "Airport operators put up a lot of equipment; they need to be given compensation for their return. Some balance will come out." Mittal also highlighted similar issues in tunnels and metro systems, where steep fees charged by third-party operators hinder service provision.
Current Connectivity Workarounds and Airport Operations
As negotiations continue, NMIA is offering Wi-Fi connectivity to travelers, with signboards providing instructions across the terminal. Volunteers are stationed to assist passengers in connecting to the Wi-Fi network. Additionally, state-owned BSNL's mobile network is accessible at the airport. However, inside the terminal, mobile networks remain non-functional, forcing passengers to rely on Wi-Fi for tasks like booking cabs in the basement.
NMIA, the eighth airport owned by Adani Airports Holding, has already crossed 1 lakh passengers within its first 19 days of commercial operations. Major airlines such as IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air are currently operating flights from this hub. The airport business contributes significantly to Adani Enterprises' financials, with income rising 27% to ₹8,062 crore in FY25.
In summary, while Airtel's signal testing brings hope for improved connectivity, the pricing dispute with telecom operators continues to cloud the timeline for full mobile service restoration at Navi Mumbai International Airport. Passengers must currently depend on Wi-Fi and BSNL networks, underscoring the need for a swift resolution to enhance the travel experience.
