Airtel, Jio, Vi write jointly to Noida International Airport to deploy common IBS

The three telcos also noted that granting exclusive rights to a third-party to install IBS infrastructure (active and passive) effectively appoints such an entity as a gatekeeper of RoW and creating a bottleneck

Telecom players including Bharti Airtel (Airtel), Reliance Jio (Jio) and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have written to the Noida International Airport to allow deployment of a common In-Building Solution (IBS) for seamless telecom connectivity within the airport terminal, without the involvement of any third-party infrastructure provider.

Under the Telecommunication Act, 2023 and the Telecommunication Right of Way (RoW) Rules, 2024, all public authorities controlling access to public spaces are mandated to provide RoW to licensed telecom service providers (TSPs) for building telecom networks, they said.

The companies have also written jointly earlier on August 22, 2024 proposing the same. However, they did not receive any response, and have written again.

High-quality connectivity

“We would like to reiterate that this proposal is made in the larger public interest to ensure uninterrupted and high-quality connectivity for passengers as well as for airport operational and maintenance staff. As licensed TSPs and rightful spectrum holders, we possess both the legal authority and the technical expertise to deploy state-of-the-art telecom infrastructure at the airport,” the three telcos said in the letter.

While each TSP is individually entitled to seek and obtain RoW permissions for IBS, the company acknowledged that space constraints and logistical considerations within airport premises make it more practical to implement the infrastructure in one go and preferably common infrastructure.

“Accordingly, we have approached your esteemed office jointly, so that installation and any necessary repairs can be conducted in a coordinated and efficient manner, minimising disruptions,” they said.

The three telcos also noted that granting exclusive rights to a third-party to install IBS infrastructure (active and passive) effectively appoints such an entity as a gatekeeper of RoW, creating a bottleneck.

“This not only contravenes legal provisions but also creates a monopolistic environment, allowing the third-party to impose arbitrary and exorbitant charges on TSPs. As such, we are unable to enter into any agreement with such entities for providing services to airport users,” they added.

Published on April 29, 2025