In the virtual presence of several leaders and experts of the telecom sector, NTA (Nepal Telecommunication Authority) organized a virtual program to celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) on May 17, 2021. This year’s WTISD theme was “Accelerating the digital transformation in challenging times”.
Various representatives from the IT sector attended the program. They shared facts and views regarding the development of the telecommunication sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The latter half of the program also included a panel discussion.
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About World Telecommunication and Information Society Day Program
This year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society Day was guided with the theme “Accelerating digital transformation in challenging times”. It focused on the critical role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in battling the challenges of digital transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program had a presence of delegates like Minister of MoCIT, Mr. Parbat Gurung, MoCIT secretary Hari Prasad Bashyal. Similarly, NTA Chairman Mr. Purushottam Khanal, ICT expert Mr. Manohar K Bhattarai, Deputy Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Mr. Bam Bahadur Mishra, Managing Director of Nepal Telecom Mr. Dilli Adhikari, and so on.
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Discussions in the program
Participants in the program stressed the need for digital transformation in the current situation and the need to build information technology infrastructure for it.
Minister Gurung said that the ministry would take the lead in formulating the policy based on the suggestions of the experts in the forum and making changes if necessary.
Similarly, NTA Chairman Mr. Purushottam Khanal asserted that we require commitment from various regulatory bodies in the development of telecommunication. Also, we require laws and policies that bind the telecom sector towards positive change.
ITU Secretary Mr. Houlin Zhao also sent a video message in the program. Then, ICT expert Mr. Manohar K Bhattarai presented slides on key domains of Accelerating digital transformation in challenging times.
The panel discussion had members such as Member Secretary of the National Planning Commission Mr. Kewal Prasad Bhandari, Deputy Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Mr. Bam Bahadur Mishra, Managing Director of Nepal Telecom Mr. Dilli Adhikari, and Chairman of the Federation of Industries and Commerce, ICT Development Committee Mr. Mangeshlal Shrestha as resource person.
Mr. Bhandari said that they are working on policies that provide communication access to all citizens and run industries based on communication and information technology. Similarly, stating that the nation requires a digital economy, Mangeshlal Shrestha said the work collaboration between the private sector and the government needs attention.
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Similarly, Mishra gave a detailed presentation on the progress of economic digital in Nepal. He said that consumers should know how they can use cheap, accessible technology. Sudhir Parajuli representing Nepal Internet Entrepreneurs Association said that the tax should be reduced so that the public can get cost-effective services.
