Toll-Free Calls to Any Network Now Free, NTA Rules

Now you can make free ‘Toll-Free’ calls to any network from any telephone network in Nepal. Telecom regulator NTA has enforced the ruling with a revision to the Short Codes Action Plan.

The regulator believes the amendment makes toll-free numbers and their services more efficient and effective. The Board meeting on March 25th made new changes to the Short Code And Toll-Free Number Management Action Plan, 2077.

The changes mean that you can now call a toll-free number provided by one telecom operator to another network for free.

Also read: Toll-Free Numbers of ISPs in Nepal For Inquiry/Complaints

What’s in the Action Plan?

The NTA board has agreed to remove the sub-section (gha) of Section 3 in the old action plan. On the other hand, the regulator has also made changes to the sub-section of (ka) of section 4 setting new use cases for toll-free numbers.

Likewise, these new changes will also help create uniformity for toll-free numbers. From now on, a toll-free must be of 11 digits. Similarly, sub-section (ka) states that any organization can use such toll-free numbers to provide information to their customers.

The new amendments also hold that different number ranges will be available for domestic and international toll free numbers.

Separate ranges for domestic and international toll free numbers

Previously, the domestic toll-free number started with 1660. With new changes, they will now start with 1810 with the following number being an operator code. The remaining 6 digits would represent the organization providing the toll-free service.

Similarly, international toll-free numbers would start with 1800. Any foreign company with a service for Nepali customers can offer a toll-free number in Nepal.

Importantly, the Sub-section (gha) of Section 7 states that toll-free numbers will be free of cost for users when a call takes place from one network to another network-provided toll-free number. For this, interconnection will be established among the carrier providers.  

The advantage is that the public would be able to call on any toll-free regardless of the service provider. Previously, a call wouldn’t always initiate if the caller and the toll-free number were not on the same network.

Don’t miss: Everything you need to know about a Toll-free phone number 

Reverse interconnection for Toll Free calls

NTA has emphasized making toll-free practically free of cost with a new set of changes. And for this, the regulator has inserted the clause of reverse interconnection.

With reverse interconnection, whenever a particular operator-provided toll-free number receives a call from another mobile network, the former has to pay the latter a sum. That is if you make a call to any toll free on a different network, the cost won’t be deducted from your main balance. That makes the toll free practically a free call which has not been the case for much yet.

Check out: NTA to implement Mobile number portability in Nepal

NTA Director Ambar Sthapit says the regulator has informed network providers about new amendments to toll-free numbers. The service providers will gradually upgrade their systems to adhere to new changes. This should take a few weeks to months.