Maharashtra : Mumbai’s first fully underground metro corridor, Metro Line 3, has been facing disruptions in mobile connectivity due to a standoff with telecom service providers.
The problem stems from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited’s (MMRCL) decision to implement a shared in-building solution (IBS) model. Under this system, a single vendor installs and manages telecom infrastructure across stations, allowing multiple network operators to use the same setup. In March 2024, ACES was selected as the neutral host through a bidding process and installed the required systems at all 16 operational stations.
However, telecom operators have refused to join the shared network, saying the proposed commercial terms are not viable. They instead offered to provide free services using their own equipment until a final settlement is reached – an offer that MMRCL has rejected, according to sources.
As a result, most telecom services have been suspended in Metro 3 stations, leaving commuters unable to make calls, use mobile internet or complete UPI transactions. At the moment, only Vodafone has resumed its services, while MMRCL is in touch with other service providers.
