Telcos to airports: Allow us to provide indoor telecom infrastructure

Latest rules don't allow third-party partners to deploy active or passive infrastructure

Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea have jointly asked airport authorities in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Guwahati to allow them — and not a third-party infrastructure provider — to install and provide indoor-telecom equipment.

 

The telcos had last week written to the upcoming Noida International Airport Ltd as well as Mumbai Metro earlier on this issue.

 

Barring Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), the other four are run by Adani Airports Holding Ltd (AAHL).

 

In their letters — on April 25 — the telcos have cited laws that mandate licensed telecom-service providers will get right of way (RoW) access in public spaces.

 

The airports are in various stages of granting exclusive rights to third-party entities to install In-Building Solutions (IBS).

 

IBS improves mobile-network coverage and signal quality within buildings, especially where external signals struggle to penetrate.

 

But pacts with third parties not only contravene legal provisions but create a monopolistic environment, according to the telcos.

 

These entities may impose hefty charges on telcos for providing the network and become a gatekeeper for RoW, the letters said.

 

“We understand that you may have been approached by unlicensed entities holding IP-1 registrations from the Department of Telecommunications, seeking exclusive rights under the pretext of being independent ‘neutral hosts’ for IBS deployment. We wish to clarify that under current regulations such third party vendors are not permitted to deploy active telecom infrastructure,” their letters said.

 

Meanwhile, the telcos have sought permission to provide IBS facilities at Terminal 1 of Bangalore International Airport, where the existing IBS licence will expire on May 31. 

 

Queries mailed to BIAL and AAHL for a response did not elicit a response.

 

However, the telcos are unwilling to pay for the infrastructure, arguing that IBS at public facilities do not yield substantial revenue but serves a common, public need. “RoW permissions in such scenarios should be seen not as a revenue generating opportunity by the Airport, but as a necessary, facilitative step for public interest,” the letters read.

 

They said no public authority was allowed to charge fees for RoW beyond what was stipulated in the rules.

 

Last month, the joint front of the telcos had similarly written to Mumbai Metro, saying it would not be possible to provide IBS service at unviable rates offered by the selected infrastructure partner.

 

Instead, they had proposed to offer connectivity to the IBS network of ACES India by installing their own equipment free until there was an agreement on the matter.

 

In 2023, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd had awarded a nine-year contract to ACES India for providing mobile infrastructure service, including 4G and 5G service. 

Clash over communication infra in public spaces

 

> Telcos have requested airports to not hire third-party provider for in-building solutions (IBS) infrastructure

> Argue exclusive rights given to a third party will lead to payment of exorbitant charges

> Joint infrastructure is currently used by telcos for IBS infra in public spaces

> Last week, the companies had said it wouldn't be possible to provide IBS services in Mumbai metro

> They had blamed unviable rates offered by the selected infrastructure partner