Assam: Passengers will no longer have to face problems like call drops or weak networks at the popular Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA). The country’s three major telecom companies Reliance Jio Airtel and Vodafone Idea have jointly sought approval to install Common In-Building Solution (IBS) in the airport terminal. For this the companies have sent a joint letter to the airports Chief Officer Ashwin Noronha. In this they have said that they want to establish a shared network system within the airport terminal so that passengers, staff and operations team can get better connectivity.
Work will be done as per Telecom Act
These companies have clarified that only those telecom companies will be involved in this network installation which have got valid spectrum and Universal Access Service License (UASL). No unlicensed or third party infrastructure provider will be included in this process. This entire work will be done under the Telecom Act 2023 and Right of Way (RoW) rules. The companies said that this network is for public service and not for any commercial benefit and hence giving necessary permission and cooperation in this would be in public interest.
The government should not charge extra fees
The telecom companies have also demanded that the government or public authorities should give permission to licensed companies to lay and install the right of way free of cost or as per the rules. The companies say that such a system involves heavy capital and operational costs while its direct profit is limited. Despite this they are ready to invest in this facility because a strong network is necessary at public places like airports. They believe that RoW should be considered a part of public service and not a means of profit.
Appeal for approval of survey and installation soon
The three telecom companies have also requested the airport administration to allow them to survey the airport premises together so that they can establish this common network on time. They say that ensuring network facility at this important transport hub of Northeast India is the need of the hour and this will also improve the experience of passengers. He assured that this move will establish a modern and world-class telecom facility at the airport which will benefit all.
