The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has accused Mumbai Metro of establishing a monopoly in mobile network connectivity by appointing a third-party vendor, thereby sidelining Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and denying them the Right of Way (RoW).
COAI Raises Monopoly Concerns
S.P. Kochhar, Director General of COAI, expressed concerns, stating, “Telecom Service Providers are always willing to provide connectivity through In-Building Solutions (IBS). However, Mumbai Metro has chosen to create a monopoly by exclusively partnering with a third-party vendor, demanding monopolistic and extortionate rents for mobile network access.”
COAI, which represents major telecom operators like Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, released a statement on Sunday, May 18, addressing what it called “baseless allegations” against the industry and clarifying its stance on mobile network connectivity within Mumbai Metro premises.
Violation of Right of Way (RoW) and Telecom Act
According to COAI, Mumbai Metro’s decision contradicts the new Telecommunication Act and RoW rules, which prohibit public authorities from denying RoW to telecom operators in public spaces. The association emphasized that TSPs had proposed deploying a shared In-Building Solution to ensure seamless connectivity and reduce disruptions—an approach already implemented in major public spaces like the PWD tunnel in Pragati Maidan and Central Vista, where TSPs lay infrastructure without incurring third-party costs.
COAI stated, “As per the new Telecommunication Act and the RoW Rules, a public authority cannot deny Right of Way to TSPs in a public place. This is precisely what Mumbai Metro is doing.”
Kochhar further added, “Mumbai Metro is citing precedence to justify appointing a third-party vendor and denying RoW to TSPs. However, a wrong precedent does not make it legitimate. The industry is actively working to address the issue of such monopolies to prevent extortionate practices.”
Free Trial Services Offered
COAI pointed out that TSPs have always been willing to invest capital expenditure (Capex) to establish network infrastructure inside the Metro, even in the absence of incremental revenue. However, paying excessive charges to Mumbai Metro is not financially viable. “It should be noted that services were being offered on a trial basis by all TSPs, pending the finalization of a formal agreement,” COAI clarified.
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The association also revealed that TSPs had proposed to provide mobile connectivity free of cost during the trial phase and until commercial agreements were finalized. This proposal, communicated through a joint letter dated April 7, 2025, was reportedly disregarded by Mumbai Metro. COAI reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring seamless mobile connectivity for commuters and criticized Mumbai Metro’s stance, claiming it undermines competition and consumer interests.
