Private telcos slam MMRC’s Metro Line 3 telecom model as illegal, anti-consumer

COAI clarified that no private telco has signed any agreement with MMRC’s vendor contrary to some media reports.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, has accused the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) of adopting an illegal, anti-competitive telecom infrastructure model for Metro Line 3, alleging that it violates the Telecommunication Act, 2023, and undermines consumer interests.

Private telcos are opposing MMRC's decision to award telecom infrastructure deployment to a third-party IP-I (Infrastructure Providers Category I) vendor, in violation of existing regulations.

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 deploy mobile networks independently. Deploying such networks is 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 any third party),” COAI said in a statement.

All three telcos 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.

“Despite this, MMRC arbitrarily rejected their request for Right of Way (RoW) permissions, citing the selection of a vendor through its internal tender process. 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.

The body said IP-I providers lack the legal authority to install active telecom infrastructure, thereby forcing telcos to work through them is both illegal and exploitative.

COAI clarified that no private telco has signed any agreement with MMRC’s vendor contrary to some media reports.

“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 urges MMRC to immediately reconsider its current stance and uphold the principles of fair access, consumer convenience and lawful telecom infrastructure deployment,” the body said.