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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
No refreshments, double security checks: Air India flyers from Delhi to Pune stuck in aircraft for over three hours
Pune: Around 150 passengers travelling from Delhi to Pune on an Air India (AI-2971) flight spent more than three hours inside the aircraft on Sunday afternoon waiting for it to take off. The passengers were stuck without any refreshments or proper information about take-off time. This incident is a repeat of last week when passengers of a SpiceJet flight from Delhi to Pune spent hours inside the aircraft. The Air India flight was scheduled to take off from Delhi at 4pm and land in Pune by 6.05pm. It finally took off from Delhi around 7.15 pm and landed in Pune around 8.50pm. Major General Rajan Kochhar (retired), who was travelling with his wife, told TOI that the boarding was on time. "After we boarded and the flight was set to take off, a bout of bad weather, possibly a dust storm, hit Delhi. The take-off was aborted due to strong winds and bad weather. However, it subsided within half an hour, but even then, the aircraft did not take off," Kochhar, who was coming to Pune for a reunion function at the National Defence Academy (NDA), said. When flyers asked the cabin crew about the scheduled take-off time, they were told that the aircraft needed to refuel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Зачем на ночь сжигают лавровый лист? Undo "We were told that the aircraft needed refuelling as much of it was consumed while the aircraft was awaiting take-off. Following this, the aircraft moved to a bay, and the refuelling process started. It took around half an hour for refuelling, but we were still waiting to leave. All the flyers became anxious," he added. A detailed query on the issue was sent to an Air India spokesperson via a WhatsApp message, but a response from the airline was awaited till the time of going to press. Kochhar said when passengers started to question the cabin crew, they were told that one of the flyers had deboarded. "The crew informed us that one of the flyers chose to leave the aircraft. The staff said since a passenger deboarded, a fresh round of security checks needed to be conducted. This caused further delay, and cabin bags of all flyers were again checked," he said. "It is very surprising that the cabin crew did not offer the passengers any refreshments. We, being in the service, have always flown Air India, and this kind of attitude wasn't expected from the airline," Kochhar added. On May 30, a similar set of events inconvenienced more than 150 flyers travelling to Pune from Delhi on a SpiceJet flight. Flyers have demanded many times that during such events, they should be taken back to the terminal building rather than being kept in the aircraft.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
No mobile signal on underground Mumbai Metro; telecom firms cry foul at ‘monopoly' of operator
As complaints pour in from commuters regarding the non-availability of mobile network connectivity within the underground Mumbai Metro Line 3, also called Aqua Line, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has put the blame on what it describes as the 'monopolistic setup' developed by the Metro authorities. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the COAI made it clear that mobile network operators are quite keen on providing seamless connectivity along the underground section through an in-building solution (IBS) shared by all. However, they accuse Mumbai Metro of refusing them direct access and instead involving a third-party vendor at 'exorbitant' prices for deploying networks. Metro passengers on the recently opened BKC-Worli segment of Metro Line 3 have raised concerns about not being able to use their phones, surf, or access apps while on their underground ride, the most basic of needs for a technologically advanced city like Mumbai. 'Telecom service providers had offered to install the infrastructure free of cost and provide connectivity to commuters, while commercial terms could be worked out subsequently. This consumer-first proposal was ignored,' said Lt Gen Dr S P Kochhar, Director General of COAI. The association also stated that the current setup goes against the Right of Way (RoW) provisions under the new Telecommunication Act, which requires that public utilities cannot refuse access to service providers. COAI added that similar infrastructure deployments in public properties like the Central Vista and PWD tunnel in Delhi have been given permission for free, only for the sake of commuter convenience. According to Kochhar, the telecom service providers had even agreed to create a shared infrastructure to prevent duplication and accelerate rollout, but their bid was rejected. Instead, the Metro operator allegedly demanded provisioning connectivity via a single vendor at high fees for access — a model COAI described as 'extortionate and monopolistic.' Even as the services were being tested on a trial basis by the telecom operators awaiting final agreement, commuters are still experiencing poor or no connectivity inside underground stations and tunnels. Experts have cautioned that similar delays in offering mobile coverage would affect ridership as well as safety in the event of an emergency, in which case passengers might not be able to communicate. Responding to the allegations, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) stated that, because of the underground location of the Metro and space constraints, a common infrastructure model was essential and in sync with international and national practices. MMRC explained that the chosen vendor was appointed under an open tendering process and that all the key telecom players had tendered their agreement to participate through this shared infrastructure. 'The shortlisted contractor had invested a lot of money, and two telecom operators had even begun operations on Phase 1, which were later shut down abruptly. One has resumed later. It is neither advisable nor feasible to let each operator create its own infrastructure in tight tunnels,' a Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) spokesperson said, refuting allegations that it was not providing access. 'This is the same system applied to Indian metros and airports as well. Hence, it is absolutely denied that MMRC is not providing them access,' the spokesperson said. As Mumbai's underground Metro expands further, from BKC to Worli now, and is expected to extend till Cuffe Parade by August, commuters hope the dispute will be resolved soon to bring seamless digital access throughout the line.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
‘Extortion, not connectivity': Telecom body COAI accuses Mumbai metro of blocking fair access to mobile network
The Cellular Operators Association of India ( COAI ) has launched a sharp attack on Mumbai Metro , accusing the public transport body of creating a 'monopolistic and extortionate' environment for mobile network access within metro premises. The COAI alleges that instead of allowing telecom operators to install In-Building Solutions (IBS) directly, at their own cost, the Metro has handed over exclusive rights to a third-party vendor, demanding exorbitant charges in return. The move, COAI claims, flies in the face of the new Telecommunications Act and Right of Way (RoW) rules, which prohibit public authorities from denying telecom infrastructure access in public spaces. 'Telecom Service Providers are always willing to provide connectivity through IBS. However, Mumbai Metro has created a monopoly… and is now trying to extract monopolistic and extortionate rents,' said COAI director general S P Kochhar. Kochhar compared the situation with Delhi's Pragati Maidan tunnel and Central Vista, where telcos have set up infrastructure free of cost and without bureaucratic obstruction. 'Deploying networks in high-footfall public infrastructure is standard practice, and doesn't cost the public authority anything,' he said. In a bid to avoid service disruption for lakhs of daily commuters, telecom firms, including Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, jointly offered to provide connectivity free of cost during the trial phase, pending a formal agreement. That April 7 proposal, COAI said, was ignored by Mumbai Metro. COAI also rejected the Metro's claim of following precedent, saying, 'Wrong precedent does not make a legitimate one. The industry is addressing such monopolies with a view to stop these extortionate practices.' With commuter connectivity hanging in the balance, the COAI's message is clear: allow fair access, or risk denying Mumbai its rightful digital infrastructure. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
World Telecom Day 2025: 5G networks, satcom to bring more women online in India, say executives
NEW DELHI: The rapid expansion of internet via ultra-fast fifth-generation ( 5G ) telecom networks, and the availability of satellite broadband, is poised to significantly bridge the digital divide in India over the coming years, and will particularly bring more women online, said industry executives on the occasion of the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025. World Telecom Day has been celebrated annually since May 17, 1969, marking the founding of the United Nations' telecom agency, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in 1865. 'Gaps in access and affordability of the internet and digital devices, as well as limited digital skills, continue to hinder the participation of women and girls in today's economy and in shaping tomorrow's digital solutions. Bridging this divide is essential to unlocking new pathways for economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development,' the ITU said. According to the agency, this year's World Telecommunication and Information Society Day highlights the pressing need to advance digital gender equality, so that "women and girls everywhere can also benefit from and contribute to digital transformation". 'As India's telecom sector connects around 1.2 billion subscribers and expands 5G coverage to about 99.6% districts, it has become a powerful catalyst for digital inclusion and economic empowerment,' said SP Kochhar, director-general, Cellular Operators Association of India ( COAI ). The Delhi-based association represents Reliance Jio , Bharti Airtel , and Vodafone Idea (Vi). Led by telcos, affordable internet access has become available to millions of citizens, particularly in rural areas that have a prevalent digital divide, he said. 'The telecom sector is committed to working on localised campaigns, bringing women in the knowledge of what empowerment can be brought by the use of the internet,' Kochhar added. Bringing women online in India has been a major challenge due to factors such as socio-cultural norms and restrictions, linguistic hurdles, digital literacy and skills gap, monetary dependence, earlier school dropouts, and online safety concerns, as per experts. According to the 2024 Mobile Gender Gap report by GSMA, women in India are 12% less likely than men to have a mobile phone and less likely to make use of the mobile internet as well. With a market potential of approximately $263 million over the next five years for broadband connectivity in underserved areas, satellite communications (satcom) offers a viable solution to bridge the digital divide, said AK Bhatt, director-general of the Indian Space Association ( ISpA ). 'Satcom offers a viable solution to bridging the digital divide. Its ability to deliver reliable internet access will transform critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and governance, can really transform the quality of lives for women and girls, who are often the most excluded from digital access,' he said. Recently, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its much-awaited recommendations on the modalities for satcom spectrum, which includes the administrative allocation of satcom airwaves at a fee pegged at 4% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR), to be assigned for five years, which will pave the way for the commercial rollout of next-generation satellite internet services in India. 'With 5G rollouts and a future powered by 5G-Advanced and 6G, India is poised to lead the next wave of digital innovation. However, to truly unlock the potential of this transformation, we must ensure equitable access for all, especially women, so that our digital future is not only connected, but also inclusive,' said Tarun Chhabra, senior vice president & country head, Nokia India. READ MORE: WTD 2025: Bridging digital gender divide for inclusive future for India India's top two telecom incumbents, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, have already expanded their fifth-generation (5G) networks nationwide and are focused on driving monetisation of services. Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea (Vi), too, has recently joined the 5G race and will roll-out the commercial latest generation services in its 17 priority circles by August this year. Airtel Chief People Officer, Amrita Padda, at a virtual World Telecom Day event organised on Friday (May 16) by ETTelecom , said that the telecom carrier is committed to ensuring 50% women representation in its workforce, up from 18.5% currently. 'This World Telecommunication Day, we recognise that the true digital transformation starts with high-capacity fiber infrastructure – the backbone of 5G, IoT, and smart cities,' said Kunal Bajaj, CEO & co-founder, CloudExtel . 'With over 12,000 kilometers of fiber already deployed and ambitious plans to expand further, we are enabling the next generation of connectivity.' Bajaj added that fiber is the 'silent enabler', powering high-speed broadband to ultra-low latency 5G experiences. 'More importantly, it serves as a bridge connecting urban and rural India, ensuring equitable access to the digital economy for all,' he said. 'As a woman-founded company, we believe inclusive leadership is key to accelerating equitable digital transformation. Our work goes beyond boardrooms and technology stacks, it is about cultivating diverse talent, mentoring future leaders, and creating pathways for more women to shape the future of connectivity,' said Rajesh Mishra, co-founder & CEO, A5G Networks. READ MORE: WTD 2025: Bridging gender gaps in digital transformation 'Government initiatives such as the BharatNet project have played a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide, expanding high-speed broadband, and nurturing domestic innovation,' said Anku Jain, MD, MediaTek India. 'MediaTek is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We remain dedicated to supporting the nation's digital ambitions by enabling seamless connectivity, cutting-edge innovation, and advancing gender equality in technology.' 'The telecom sector has witnessed one of the fastest 5G rollouts in recent times. These investments are expected to fuel market expansion, accelerate technological adoption across industries and enable a bigger societal impact,' said Nittin Arora, partner, Grant Thornton Bharat. 'World Telecommunication Day is a reminder of how vital connectivity is in shaping an inclusive and sustainable digital future. We believe that telecom networks must go beyond speed to build trust, secure identities, and empower every individual,' said Sachin Arora, head (connectivity & IoT), India, Giesecke+Devrient. 'The urban-rural digital divide remains a significant barrier to inclusive growth. While cities rapidly adopt digital technologies, many rural communities remain on the fringes, limited by infrastructure gaps, low digital literacy, and a lack of access to relevant services,' said Vynsley Fernandes, whole-time director, HGS & CEO, NXTDIGITAL Media Group. Fernandes added that addressing the digital divide needs integrated digital platforms that combine access, content, and services in a seamless, scalable manner.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
High altitude platforms can provide secure, flexible coverage compared to satellites: COAI
High altitude platforms like solar power drones, balloons, airships, etc, can provide secure and flexible coverage at lower cost compared to satellites, a senior official of telecom industry body COAI said. Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) Director General S P Kochhar said countries like the US, Japan, the UK, and companies like Airbus (Zephyr) and SoftBank are investing heavily in HAPS technologies and India should start working on regulatory framework for HAPS operations, spectrum allocation and airspace management . Kochhar's remarks come at a time when COAI key members Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have joined hands with Elon Musk-led Starlink for satellite services after initially opposing and obstructing its bid to enter the India market. Starlink is yet to get government's approval to start services in India pending security clearance. "The main purpose of HAPS is similar to satellites, but with the advantage of being able to be deployed rapidly and at a lower cost. HAPS operate at much lower altitudes (20-50 km) compared to geostationary or low-earth orbit satellites, resulting in significantly lower latency -- critical for real-time communication and military operations," Kochhar said while clarifying that it is personal view and not the view of the industry body. He said HAPS platforms can be rapidly deployed, repositioned or recovered, providing tactical flexibility that satellites cannot offer once in orbit which makes them ideal for Disaster Recovery and Emergency Networks, in situations of floods or earthquakes for emergency communications and monitoring in the disaster zones. "HAPS are less susceptible to certain space-based threats such as anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, orbital debris or jamming attacks targeted at high-orbit infrastructure. From a security standpoint, HAPS also allow for persistent surveillance of sensitive border regions or maritime zones without violating international space treaties or depending on expensive satellite constellations," Kochhar said. Satellites operate at higher altitude and there are high chances that their signal may spill over beyond the country's border. He said there is a need for comprehensive regulatory policy for HAPS operations, spectrum allocation and airspace management in India as well as investments in indigenous research and development through DRDO, ISRO and private aerospace startups are crucial. "The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) needs to identify and allocate specific spectrum bands for HAPS services, while ensuring compatibility with existing satellite and terrestrial networks. Solar-powered UAVs suited for Indian climate conditions (monsoon, dust storms, high humidity) need localised innovation," Kochhar said.
