Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd (NMIAL) has denied claims by telecom operators that mobile connectivity is not available at the upcoming airport, as per The Economic Times reports.
The airport operator said the allegations were incorrect and followed a complaint submitted by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) to the telecom regulator regarding access and pricing issues.
NMIAL said mobile services are already operational at the airport. It stated that Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited(BSNL) has been onboarded and is providing active network connectivity across the airport premises.
The operator said this confirms that telecom access has not been withheld, as suggested by the industry body.
The airport operator said it has implemented a neutral-host in-building telecom system, under which a single shared network supports multiple telecom service providers.
According to NMIAL, this model is commonly used at airports due to security and operational requirements and helps ensure coverage across all parts of the facility.
NMIAL said that at several airports, telecom operators tend to focus network deployment on high footfall areas such as terminals.
As a result, other zones including baggage handling areas, utility buildings and air traffic control facilities can face weak or inconsistent connectivity. The airport said this can affect internal coordination and daily operations.
Responding to claims made by COAI, NMIAL said it has not denied Right of Way permissions to any telecom operator.
It said access to airport premises has not been restricted and that the neutral-host system does not prevent operators from offering services to users. The airport added that it has remained in communication with telecom companies during the process.
NMIAL also rejected claims that it had demanded annual charges of ₹44.16 crore for telecom infrastructure usage.
It said the pricing for its in-building solution is comparable with arrangements at other Indian airports developed under public-private partnership models.
The matter reached the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) after COAI sought regulatory intervention, citing concerns over access and the mandatory use of a single network.
NMIAL said mobile connectivity is available at the airport and that its infrastructure model follows established airport practices.
Read More: Private Jet Terminal to Open at Navi Mumbai Airport by September 2026!
The dispute has been referred to the regulator for examination of access and infrastructure arrangements. NMIAL said telecom connectivity is already in place at the airport and that it has not restricted operator access.
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Published on: Jan 16, 2026, 12:19 PM IST
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