Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Mumbai Airport and Metro Face Connectivity Issues
Imagine going to a new, fancy airport or using a new metro line, but your phone has no signal.
This is happening in Mumbai because the companies that built the airport and metro and the phone companies can't agree on how much to charge for phone signals.
The phone companies think the charges are too high, and the airport and metro say they need to manage the signals properly.
The government is trying to help, but for now, people have to use free Wi-Fi or a different phone network.
It's like a big argument where everyone is stuck until they agree on the rules.
Navi Mumbai International Airport and Mumbai Metro Aqua line face cellular connectivity issues due to unresolved commercial agreements.
Telecom operators find the proposed charges exorbitant and object to third-party service providers managing telecom infrastructure.
Navi Mumbai Airport proposed reduced charges aligned with Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) rates, but operators found them unreasonable.
Government is holding meetings to resolve the issue, and BSNL network is available as an alternative.
Regulations under the Telecom Act, 2023, and RoW Rules aim to ensure uninterrupted mobile connectivity in public-use infrastructure.
- Who
- Passengers at Navi Mumbai International Airport and Mumbai Metro Aqua line
- What
- Lack of cellular connectivity due to unresolved commercial agreements between infrastructure developers and telecom operators
- When
- Ongoing issue, with complaints starting on 25 December 2023
- Where
- Navi Mumbai International Airport and Mumbai Metro Aqua line in Mumbai
- Why
- Disagreement over exorbitant charges and the appointment of third-party service providers for telecom infrastructure
- Location
- Navi Mumbai International Airport and Mumbai Metro Aqua line
- Operators Involved
- Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, BSNL
- Issue
- Lack of cellular connectivity due to unresolved commercial agreements
- Proposed Fees
- ₹92 lakh per month per operator at Navi Mumbai Airport
- Government Response
- DoT holding regular meetings to resolve the issue
- Alternative Service
- Free Wi-Fi and BSNL network available
- Regulatory Framework
- Telecom Act, 2023 and RoW Rules