18 February 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau :The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked the Adani Group to allow telecom operators to deploy their own mobile network infrastructure at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, a move aimed at ensuring seamless connectivity for passengers and airport operations.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the DoT has conveyed that telecom services at large public infrastructure projects such as airports should be provided in a non-discriminatory manner. This means all licensed telecom operators must be allowed to install and operate their networks, rather than relying on a single, captive network controlled by the airport developer.
The directive comes amid concerns raised by telecom companies over restricted access at certain privately operated airports, where operators have alleged that high fees or exclusive arrangements limit their ability to provide services.
Background of the Issue
The Navi Mumbai International Airport, being developed by the Adani Group, is one of India’s most ambitious greenfield airport projects and is expected to significantly ease congestion at Mumbai’s existing airport. Given the airport’s scale and strategic importance, reliable and competitive telecom connectivity is seen as critical for passenger experience, security systems, airline operations, and digital services.
In recent years, telecom operators have increasingly pushed back against what they describe as monopolistic practices at some airports, where infrastructure such as in-building solutions (IBS) and distributed antenna systems (DAS) are controlled by the airport operator or a designated vendor. Telcos argue that such arrangements raise costs and compromise service quality.
The DoT’s communication to the Adani Group reinforces the government’s position that telecom networks are a licensed service and should not be restricted by infrastructure owners.
DoT’s Stand on Telecom Access
The DoT has consistently maintained that telecom operators holding valid licences should be allowed to deploy networks at public places, including airports, ports, and railway stations. Officials said the department wants to ensure a level playing field and prevent exclusive control over critical telecom infrastructure.
“Airports are public utility spaces. Denying or restricting access to licensed telecom service providers is against the spirit of fair competition and consumer interest,” an official said.
The department has also highlighted that better connectivity is essential as airports increasingly rely on digital systems such as biometric boarding, real-time surveillance, smart baggage handling, and 5G-enabled applications.
Industry Reaction
Telecom operators have welcomed the DoT’s intervention. Companies such as Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea have long argued that they should be allowed to deploy their own infrastructure at airports without excessive charges or technical restrictions.
Industry experts believe that allowing multiple operators to install networks will improve coverage, data speeds, and redundancy, especially during peak travel hours. “Competition among telcos ensures better service quality for passengers and airlines alike,” said a telecom analyst.
Adani Group’s Perspective
The Adani Group, which operates several airports across India, has previously stated that centralized telecom infrastructure helps reduce clutter, improve aesthetics, and ensure safety within airport premises. Airport operators often argue that a single, neutral host network is more efficient and easier to manage.
However, telcos counter that neutral host models should still provide fair and transparent access, without forcing operators into commercially unviable agreements.
While the Adani Group has not issued a detailed public response to the latest DoT communication, sources suggest discussions are ongoing to find a workable model that meets regulatory requirements while addressing operational concerns.
Implications for Navi Mumbai Airport
The DoT’s directive could shape how digital infrastructure is implemented at the Navi Mumbai International Airport from day one. Allowing telcos to deploy their networks early could help the airport launch with robust 4G and 5G connectivity, supporting both consumer services and enterprise use cases.
Experts say this decision could also set a precedent for other upcoming airports and large infrastructure projects across the country, reinforcing the principle that telecom access should remain open and competitive.
What Lies Ahead
As India accelerates its digital transformation, the role of high-quality telecom connectivity at transport hubs is becoming increasingly important. The DoT’s move signals stronger regulatory oversight to ensure that infrastructure ownership does not translate into control over telecom services.
If implemented smoothly, the directive could lead to better connectivity for millions of passengers while ensuring fair competition among telecom operators. The coming months will be crucial as stakeholders negotiate the practical aspects of network deployment at Navi Mumbai’s new airport.
Summary
DoT has asked the Adani Group to allow telecom operators to deploy mobile networks at Navi Mumbai airport, aiming to ensure fair competition, better connectivity, and seamless digital services for passengers.