NTA is known to utilize RTDF for the development of telecom infrastructure and telephone services in remote areas. RTDF stands for Rural telecommunication development fund. Ntc, the government-owned operator has got the optical fiber project in Mid hill highway using RTDF.
Government had formed a committee to invite proposal from several stakeholders (in telecom). They will also award some funds to some projects like the internet in school, optical to each district etc.
NTA will award the one-third of the total 12 billion amount (which is 4 billion) to Nepal Telecom. For which NTC had submitted its proposal to install optical fiber along the Mid hill highway. This is the first time NTA utilizes the RDTF for the development of the telecom sector.
It will include 691 Km of optical span plus high capacity Microwave for the under construction highway. They will Microwave where it is not feasible for the laying of optical fiber.
What is RTDF?
As per the provision in Nepal Telecommunication act 2053 (1997), they created a fund to focus on the rural telecommunication development in Nepal. All of the telecom operators have been depositing 2 percent of their annual income every year in the fund. As Government collects huge funds in there, they think of utilizing it for the development in good ways.
This is the first time that the RTDF will use for the development, extension, and operation of the telecommunication services in rural areas.
The parliamentary committee has even recommended utilizing the fund for the expansion of optical fiber cables to all districts of Nepal.
As known, they will use the fund for the development of infrastructures in earthquake-affected 14 districts. That will help to restore the telecom services destructed by the earthquake. Other projects to fund are “Single e-village in every districts” and internet service in schools.
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