As complaints pour in from commuters regarding the non-availability of mobile network connectivity within the underground Mumbai Metro Line 3, also called Aqua Line, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has put the blame on what it describes as the "monopolistic setup" developed by the Metro authorities. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the COAI made it clear that mobile network operators are quite keen on providing seamless connectivity along the underground section through an in-building solution (IBS) shared by all. However, they accuse Mumbai Metro of refusing them direct access and instead involving a third-party vendor at "exorbitant" prices for deploying networks. Metro passengers on the recently opened BKC-Worli segment of Metro Line 3 have raised concerns about not being able to use their phones, surf, or access apps while on their underground ride, the most basic of needs for a technologically advanced city like Mumbai. "Telecom service providers had offered to install the infrastructure free of cost and provide connectivity to commuters, while commercial terms could be worked out subsequently. This consumer-first proposal was ignored," said Lt Gen Dr S P Kochhar, Director General of COAI. The association also stated that the current setup goes against the Right of Way (RoW) provisions under the new Telecommunication Act, which requires that public utilities cannot refuse access to service providers. COAI added that similar infrastructure deployments in public properties like the Central Vista and PWD tunnel in Delhi have been given permission for free, only for the sake of commuter convenience. According to Kochhar, the telecom service providers had even agreed to create a shared infrastructure to prevent duplication and accelerate rollout, but their bid was rejected. Instead, the Metro operator allegedly demanded provisioning connectivity via a single vendor at high fees for access - a model COAI described as "extortionate and monopolistic." Even as the services were being tested on a trial basis by the telecom operators awaiting final agreement, commuters are still experiencing poor or no connectivity inside underground stations and tunnels. Experts have cautioned that similar delays in offering mobile coverage would affect ridership as well as safety in the event of an emergency, in which case passengers might not be able to communicate. Responding to the allegations, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) stated that, because of the underground location of the Metro and space constraints, a common infrastructure model was essential and in sync with international and national practices. MMRC explained that the chosen vendor was appointed under an open tendering process and that all the key telecom players had tendered their agreement to participate through this shared infrastructure. "The shortlisted contractor had invested a lot of money, and two telecom operators had even begun operations on Phase 1, which were later shut down abruptly. One has resumed later. It is neither advisable nor feasible to let each operator create its own infrastructure in tight tunnels," a Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) spokesperson said, refuting allegations that it was not providing access. "This is the same system applied to Indian metros and airports as well. Hence, it is absolutely denied that MMRC is not providing them access," the spokesperson said. As Mumbai’s underground Metro expands further, from BKC to Worli now, and is expected to extend till Cuffe Parade by August, commuters hope the dispute will be resolved soon to bring seamless digital access throughout the line.
