Telecom operators Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea have informed the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) that they are unable to provide In-Building Solutions (IBS) at the “unviable rates” proposed by MMRCL’s selected partner, ACES. The issue concerns the deployment of IBS infrastructure across the Mumbai Metro network, including underground stations and tunnels.
In a letter dated April 7, the telcos reiterated their stance, stating, “It would not be possible for us to provide IBS services at the unviable rates offered by your selected partner ACES.”
To ensure commuters do not face connectivity issues, the telecom companies proposed an interim solution: offering connectivity to ACES’ IBS network by installing their own equipment—strictly on a no-cost basis—until commercial terms are finalized.
“We will begin payment for using the IBS network only from the date an agreement is signed. If this interim arrangement is acceptable to you to address customer connectivity challenges, please let us know so we can proceed accordingly,” the letter addressed to MMRCL Managing Director Ashwini Bhide stated. The proposal aims to maintain service continuity for metro passengers while negotiations over IBS network usage terms continue.
