Last Updated on November 1, 2023
Nepal Telecom (NTC) has said it is using VSAT downlink/uplink frequency with approval from NTA. The regulator NTA had previously warned the operator about using the frequencies without its permission. This prompted a response from the telco.
An inspection team of NTA said it found out about the unauthorized use of the waves while checking VSATs’ bandwidth reception status.
Following the “revelation”, telecom regulator Nepal Telecommunications Authority cautioned the operator over the illegitimate use of VSAT frequency.
NTA claimed it found that Ntc is using a downlink/uplink frequency of 105 VSAT (very small aperture terminal) terminals without its approval. In response, the regulator has warned the telco over its ‘illegitimate act’.
After finding it out, NTA asked for clarification from the telco back in Magh. It has sought a response to why no action should be taken against Ntc as per Section 47 (2), Telecommunications Act 2053.
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We are using VSAT frequencies with approval- NTC maintains
But Nepal Telecom (Ntc) has refuted NTA’s assessment. Sangita Pahadi, the CCO says the company has used the frequencies with approval by the regulator. She says, “Ntc has been operating V-SAT terminals and systems at KU Band for almost a decade with the approval of the MoCIT on the recommendation of NTA.”
She also gave details regarding the fees it has paid for the frequencies. “The company has paid fees as per the Frequency Policy 2069. Likewise, it has also “provided the frequency details of the VSAT terminals the company is using to the telecom regulator.”
Earlier, Ntc had reached an agreement with KT Sat to lease service for the KU band (12-18 GHz) for VSATs. And NTA went to check on whether Ntc was getting the satellite bandwidth as kt SAT had promised in the agreement.
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NTA had recently issued a warning to the operator over its assessment that NTC was using frequency on VSATs without its approval. However, the regulator had only deemed it a “caution.”
What is a VSAT?
VSAT stands for a very small aperture terminal. It is a small earth station that helps transmit and receive data, voice, and video signals. It consists of two parts. One is a transceiver that rests outdoors in line with the sight of the satellite. Meanwhile, the other is a device that sits indoors to serve as the transceiver with a user’s device.
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The transceiver sends or receives signals to a satellite transponder in the sky. In turn, the satellite transmits and receives singles from the ground terminal which acts as the hub for the entire configuration.
Nepal Telecom uses VSAT technology in Nepal to provide telecommunications services.
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