Tunnel Vision? Mumbai Metro Accused of Calling the Shots on Mobile Network Monopoly

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has charged Mumbai Metro with making a monopoly and charging "monopolistic and extortionate rents" to offer mobile network access in metro locations. Mumbai Metro has, according to COAI, refused telecom operators the Right of Way (RoW) to place their own in-building solutions (IBS) and has instead granted exclusive rights to a third-party vendor and demanded astronomical charges.

 

COAI contends this practice contravenes the new Telecommunication Act and RoW regulations that bar public authorities from obstructing telecom infrastructure in public areas. The association pointed out that, in similar large public works such as the Delhi Pragati Maidan tunnel, telecom companies have put up networks at their expense without any hurdles.

 

Though telcos had consented to provide free mobile connectivity during the trial period, Mumbai Metro allegedly overlooked this customer-friendly plan, jeopardizing lakhs of daily commuters. COAI has demanded a stop to such monopolistic trends to ensure that Mumbai metro customers receive equitable access and seamless connectivity.

 

Source: Business Standard, NDTV Profit, Times of India