New Delhi: Telecom operators want that completion certificate should be given for new buildings by the authorities only on the on provision of common telecom infrastructure.
It is only after completion certificate is given that owners can get their properties registered. Telecom operators said that they should be given legal rights to use the common telecom infrastructure within a building and its premises free of charge just as other essential services like water and electricity.
“Telecom network infrastructure should be accorded the same status as other essential services like electricity and water thereby mandating the builders and developers to include telecom infrastructure planning as a part of their basic deliverables to consumers,” said Bharti Airtel in a communication to Trai.
Vodafone said that building bye-laws should be amended to enable in-building access to telecom service providers (TSPs) and should also cover protection of in-building telecom infrastructure from any damage. “All existing and new buildings (including buildings undergoing re-development), should mandatory provision for common telecom infrastructure facilities from the network access point. This should be required to be included by the builder while applying for completion certificate,” said Vodafone.
It said that national building code/building bye-laws should reserve legal rights of all TSPs to access the common infrastructure facilities to install telecommunications equipment, cables and relevant facilities to provide seamless telecom services to consumers for improved in-building connectivity and prohibit any exclusive access to public buildings.
Idea Cellular said that in-building solutions telecom Infrastructure such as ducts, conduits and space should be defined as a basic amenity, at par with water supply, electricity and gas connection, for any new building approved.
The company said that it is critical that public places such as airports, railway stations, metro stations, interstate bus terminals, high rise or underground public parking among others should not be allowed to treat in-building solutions provisioning as a means of revenue generation.
