The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing major telecom players Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, has strongly objected to the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation's (MMRC) telecom infrastructure deployment model for Metro Line 3, calling it illegal, anti-consumer, and in violation of the Telecommunication Act, 2023. Metro Line 3 refers to the Colaba–Bandra–Aarey corridor.
COAI Raises Alarm Over Infrastructure Model
According to COAI, the core of the dispute lies in MMRC's decision to award the deployment of telecom infrastructure to a third-party Infrastructure Provider Category-I (IP-I) vendor through an internal tendering process.
"Under the current telecom licensing framework, IP-I providers are prohibited from deploying active infrastructure. This move not only breaches the Telecommunication Act, 2023, but also sidelines licensed Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) who are legally authorized and technically equipped to independently deploy mobile networks," the COAI said in a statement Monday, April 21, 2025.
COAI said deploying of such network(s) are a norm, even in important places like the PWD tunnel in Pragati Maidan or the Central Vista wherein the TSPs are laying infrastructure without paying any cost to anyone, including third-party firms.
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TSPs Offered Zero-Cost Solution
All three TSPs had jointly proposed to install a common In-Building Solution (IBS) network across the metro corridor at their own cost, ensuring seamless and uninterrupted connectivity for commuters — without any financial burden on MMRC, as per COAI.
However, the association alleged that the metro authority rejected their request for Right of Way (RoW) permissions, citing the award of the project to a vendor selected through its internal processes.
"This decision prioritizes commercial gains over public convenience and stands in blatant violation of the Telecommunication Act, 2023, which guarantees fair, non-discriminatory access to public infrastructure for licensed TSPs," COAI said.
As per the association, the MMRC’s chosen model is in violation of the RoW provisions in the Telecommunication Act, which mandate access to public infrastructure (such as metro stations) for licensed operators.
Contrary to some media reports, COAI clarified that no member operator has entered into any agreement with the vendor appointed by MMRC. The association termed any such claims as factually incorrect and misleading.
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MMRC's Vendor Model Called Anti-Competitive
The body also described MMRC’s approach as anti-competitive, arguing that the metro authority is leveraging its monopoly over metro premises to extract unjustified commercial returns. COAI noted that TSPs do not generate revenue from IBS infrastructure, yet are prepared to invest in it purely in the public interest.
"MMRC stands to benefit from enhanced mobile coverage at no cost, yet it chooses to obstruct the process for commercial gain," COAI added.
Reiterating its commitment to providing robust and lawful telecom connectivity, COAI urged MMRC to revisit its stance and allow licensed TSPs to independently deploy network infrastructure in line with statutory guidelines. The association stressed the need to uphold principles of fair access, regulatory compliance, and consumer welfare.
"COAI reiterates that TSPs are ready and willing to deploy a robust, secure and unified telecom network across all stations on Metro Line 3 — independently, and in full compliance with regulatory norms," COAI's statement said.
