Nepal Government to Implement an Integrated ICT Policy

Nepal government is planning an Integrated ICT policy. It will incorporate broadband, telecommunications, and ICT policies altogether to guide the country’s Information Technology growth forward.

The government has already begun proceedings to reform the ICT policies of the country.

For this, the Telecom Authority NTA has released a notice seeking a consultant to prepare a draft proposal for an inclusive ICT policy.

Previously, MoICT has approved the Terms of Reference for NTA paving the way for the planned policy reforms.

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Why an Integrated ICT Policy?

Currently, Nepal has encouraged the popular Digital Nepal Framework to uplift the county’s digital transformation. The ethos of the framework has inspired Nepal’s digital push over the last few months. Especially, following the disastrous spell of COVID-19, the need for communication services has been imperative.

However, Nepal’s IT policies have not found newer reformations. The broadband policy 2071, Telecommunications Policy 2060, and ICT Policy 2072 are old enough and don’t correspond with the latest developments in the ICT sphere.  

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The quest for digital transformation is higher than ever before. The ICT sector has flourished more after the Corona scare. From banks, and financial institutions, to education and health etcetera, all sectors are shifting or adding online services into their workspace. Even more so, the current internet speed war is certain to revolutionize Nepal’s internet consumption.

The government should now focus on narrowing the digital divide by connecting remote areas via broadband. This might include infrastructures laying, and internet at discounts. The communication penetration is widening but its equal distribution will be key for a uniform digital transformation of the country.

In it, the new Integrated ICT Policy will set new credence for Nepal’s booming ICT sector in the coming years. Let’s hope the new ICT policy will come into effect and lift Digital Nepal with freshness.

What is your take on the government’s idea of an inclusive ICT Policy? What do you want the government to prioritize in terms of national ICT plans? Do offer your perspective on it in the comments below.