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Even three months after it started operations, Mumbai's underground Aqua Metro Line 3 is still facing poor mobile network connectivity. Many passengers completely lose their phone signal while travelling through underground stations and tunnels, especially on the stretch between Worli and Colaba. Media reports say the main reason for the delay
in fixing this issue is a disagreement between telecom companies and the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL).
Mobile Connectivity
At present, only Vodafone Idea (Vi) and BSNL provide limited mobile connectivity in some parts of the route. However, even Vi users complain that the signal is very weak or disappears completely between Worli and Cuffe Parade. Passengers using Jio and Airtel face a total network blackout throughout the entire Line 3. This ongoing problem has caused frustration among daily commuters who depend on mobile phones for work, navigation, and communication during travel.
Ongoing Issue Regarding Installing Metro Network
The issue has continued because MMRCL and telecom operators have not been able to agree on the cost of installing and using mobile network infrastructure in the underground metro. To handle the mobile network setup, MMRCL appointed a private company called ACES India to install a shared telecom system across all underground stations. Telecom operators are required to pay ACES a fee to use this common system.
However, telecom companies say the charges demanded by ACES are too high and not practical for business. They have described the pricing as unfair and excessive. According to ACES, the company spent around ₹118 crore to build the underground telecom infrastructure. In contrast, telecom operators claim the actual cost should be closer to ₹30 crore.
Initially, ACES asked each telecom operator to pay ₹13 lakh per station. This amount was later reduced to ₹5.5 lakh per station, but telecom companies still feel the price is unreasonable. They argue that much lower monthly fees would be enough to recover the costs and handle maintenance. Until both sides reach an agreement, metro passengers on Line 3 are likely to continue facing mobile network problems during their journeys.
