Telecom regulator NTA has revoked the license of the broadband provider Royal Network. The ISP lost its license after failing to produce the documents for license renewal.
The Butwal-based ISP’s woes don’t end there. NTA has urged it to pay its share of royalties to the government and itself for running a broadband-providing company. Likewise, it will also have to pay the rural Telecommunications Development Fund (RTDF) and submit its financial details.
Royal Network is based in Butwal-8, Rupandehi. The ISP received its license from NTA in 2074 Baisakh 15. Following this, the total number of ISPs in Nepal has gone down to 136.
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Royal Net Losing License Depicts other ISPs’ challenges too
Royal Network losing its license is a bleak reflection of an existential crisis many ISPs are facing. The major ISPs still occupy a large market share in Nepal. But for those in the middle and at the bottom, sustaining the service has become very difficult.
Especially after the speed war, small-scale companies have found it hard to cater to the growing needs of consumers. New internet users require high-speed internet and a large bandwidth volume. ISPs that serve a low number of customers and buy their bandwidth from other network providers can’t offer high-speed internet at a convenient price.
There are ISPs that serve as many as 60 customers in Nepal. The largest ISP WorldLink has more than 6 lakh individual subscribers. Find the best ISP in Nepal with speed, and offers.
In the future, more companies will face an existential threat as private ISPs are likely to double down on their packages further.
Releasing a notice, NTA has warned the ISP that if it fails to pay its dues”, the remaining liabilities will be recovered as per the existing law.” Also read: NTA Revokes License of Hello Nepal Owned By Ajay Sumargi >>
Can small-scale Nepali ISPs sustain amidst the high-octane speed war or they should contemplate a merger with others? Do offer your inputs in the comments below.
