Telcos Allege 'Market Failure' at Navi Mumbai Airport, Urge TRAI to Curb Monopoly

• Telecom operators claim a monopolistic bottleneck at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) due to NMIAL denying Right of Way (RoW) permissions.
• COAI, representing major TSPs, has written to TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, stating NMIAL mandates using its single in-building solutions (IBS) network on unviable terms.
• NMIAL is reportedly seeking approximately Rs 92 lakh per month per operator, which TSPs deem disproportionate and inconsistent with RoW Rules.
• This situation has led to a lack of cellular services at NMIA since commercial operations began on December 25, affecting passengers.
• COAI urges TRAI to investigate NMIAL's conduct, establish cost-based pricing, and ensure non-discriminatory RoW permissions to prevent similar issues nationwide.

Why It Matters: Telcos accuse Navi Mumbai Airport of creating a monopoly, demanding TRAI intervention to ensure fair access and pricing.