DoT directs Noida airport to help telcos set up mobile network in ‘public entity’ area

The letter concludes another clash between telecom bodies and public entity authorities that have resisted telco’s RoW

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed Noida airport authorities to allow telecom companies to set up mobile network infrastructure, recognising the airport as a “public entity.” The news comes shortly after the government had instructured Navi Mumbai airport authorities to do the same.

“It is clarified that, in terms of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, Noida International Airport qualifies as a “public entity” for the purposes of the said Act and the rules framed thereunder. Accordingly, the obligations and responsibilities prescribed for public entities under the Act are applicable,” said the DoT in its letter to the Yamuna International Airport (YIAPL), granting Right of Way (RoW) to telcos.

The letter concludes another clash between telecom bodies and public entity authorities that have resisted telco’s RoW. Such issues have cropped up over the last 20 years with some public entiteis arguing for their own or third-party infrastructure.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has also writtent to DoT regarding difficulties faced by licensed Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) in establishing telecom infrastructure as authorities asked TSPs to use in-building telecom network at charges deemed unreasonably high.

In its latest order, DoT said the Telecommunications Act, 2023 read with the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rulcs, 2024, provides a statutory framework for grant of Right of Way permissions to licensed TSPs, for establishment, operation and maintenance of telecommunication networks.

“The provisions mandate non-discriminatory, fair and transparent processing of RoW applications within the prescribed timelines and conditions,” it said.

COAI had also asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to cap costs for in-building telecom infrastructure in public spaces stating that cost-based price ceilings help avoid rent-seeking behaviour, delays in network roll-out and direct consumer harm, especially when a single entity controls the access to an essential service.

Published on February 22, 2026