T3 caught in phone tangle

Even though most phones at Delhi airport’s new Terminal 3 are still not operating, a blame game has begun between service provider Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd and the airport operator. HT reports

Even though most phones at Delhi airport’s new Terminal 3 are still not operating, a blame game has begun between service provider Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) and the airport operator.

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At the old Terminal 2, most phone lines used by the airlines and other departments were provided by MTNL. These lines are yet to be shifted to T3, which was opened on July 28.

Though passengers don’t face any problem as private call centres service helpline numbers, all phones at airline and other offices are provided by MTNL. As of now, only phones used by Immigration and Customs officials are operational.

MTNL is alleging Delhi International Airport (DIAL) is asking an exorbitant sum to allow them to shift the old numbers to the new terminal. “Although MTNL has been ready with its services at T3 much before the commissioning of the new terminal, DIAL has not allowed us to provide telecom services to its customers,” said MTNL spokesman J.P. Sharma.

DIAL, however, said in a statement the contract was awarded to MTNL to provide connections based on mutually agreed charges. ‘There is no delay in providing fixed telephone

services at T3 from MTNL or DIAL’s side,” it said. The airport operator is now blaming airlines saying they are yet to ready their offices at T3 to transfer the phone connections.