The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has accused the Mumbai Metro of blocking mobile network access to telecom service providers (TSPs) and violating Right of Way (RoW) norms by enforcing a monopoly through a third-party vendor.
The industry body said that this has resulted in an “extortionate” pricing structure for network access within metro premises, undermining passenger connectivity. In a strongly worded statement, COAI said Mumbai Metro has denied direct access to telecom operators, despite provisions under the new Telecommunication Act and the RoW rules that prevent public authorities from restricting TSPs from deploying infrastructure in public spaces. Telecom operators had proposed a shared infrastructure model to reduce disruptions and extend seamless mobile services to commuters. According to COAI, the proposal was made through a joint letter dated 7 April 2025, offering to provide mobile connectivity free of cost—without any payments to either Mumbai Metro or the appointed third party—until commercial terms could be finalised. “This consumer-first proposal was ignored,” said the COAI, adding that TSPs are willing to invest capital expenditure in establishing the network, even without guaranteed revenue, but cannot comply with what it termed “extortionate rents” being demanded under the current arrangement.
COAI further pointed out that public transport networks like the Pragati Maidan tunnel and the Central Vista have allowed TSPs to lay infrastructure without payments, highlighting this as a precedent for transparent and fair access. Mumbai Metro, however, has cited earlier cases to justify the appointment of a third-party vendor for mobile connectivity. The telecom industry body countered that “wrong precedence does not make a legitimate one” and warned that the issue of monopolistic control in public infrastructure is being addressed separately at a policy level. The association emphasised that trial services had already been underway in the metro system and reiterated that its members are committed to improving digital connectivity for commuters. However, such efforts are being hindered by the current framework enforced by Mumbai Metro. Industry experts warn that limited access to public infrastructure for telecom players could have a broader impact on connectivity standards in fast-growing urban transit systems. The issue now appears set to escalate, as COAI plans to engage with relevant authorities to seek intervention and ensure compliance with national digital infrastructure norms.
As Mumbai Metro continues to expand its footprint across the city, the controversy over network access raises critical questions about the transparency and inclusiveness of digital service provision in public transportation.
