MDMS to Go Live from Bhadra 30 – NTA Confirms with MPIA

Telecom regulator NTA, jointly with MPIA, confirmed that the long-delayed mobile security system MDMS will go live from Bhadra 30. The announcement was made at the ‘MDMS BYLAWS 2075 Workshop’ at Hotel Soaltee Kathmandu on Shrawan 26, 2079. The security software will help control the influx of grey phones in Nepal among its various tasks.  

The event also had the presence of key representatives from NTA, MPIA, NMDA, and other official bodies.

MDMS, short for Mobile Device Management System, is a higher-level security system that is implemented for the management and operation of devices such as PCs, tablets, cell phones, POS systems, etc. The system helps device operators manage and enforce monitoring policies remotely on various devices.

Check out: All the detailed information about NTA’s MDMS in Nepal

MDMS to help the government generate ‘missed’ revenues

The recent advancement in technology and the trend of remote work and digital payment have made phones a necessity than a luxury item. President of MPIA (Mobile phone Imports Association) Mr. Deepak Kumar Malhotra and other delegates criticized the Government for banning the import of cellular devices as they have formed part of our everyday life. On the same occasion, Malhotra also made it clear that the government’s purpose was to increase revenue. He expressed the belief that implementing MDMS will help decrease grey phone trafficking in Nepal.

The Government of Nepal (GoN) has been losing billions in revenues every year due to unauthorized phone smuggling via borders. In the opening ceremony, Malhotra also stated that the illegal trafficking of phones and refurbished phones have adversely affected the mobile businesses and caused employment problems. Thus, the government devised the idea of implementing a comprehensive mobile security system.   

Up to three months for registering existing phones

Likewise, Vice President of MPIA (Mobile Phone Imports Association) Mr. Sanjay Agrawal said that MDMS will officially start on Sep 15, 2022 (Bhadra 30), and it will be fully functional within two to three months. Meanwhile, for existing unregistered phones, they will get up to three months’ time for registering their devices. But beyond that, the phones that evaded paying the government due taxes won’t be functional for telecom services.

The system has been in the news for a long time with some even declaring the unsubstantiated date for the start. However, NTA at the event “guaranteed” the implementation of MDMS from Bhadra 30 which is next month.

MDMS is not related to the regulator only though. It concerns mobile operators, government, and even national security. So, all parties should be equally responsible for effectively implementing the system.    

Mr. Agrawal said that the plan is very comprehensive and will greatly contribute to the revenue growth for the Ministry of Finance. He urged all parties to cooperate to make the plan work to the desired effect.

Must read: How to register Phone IMEI in Nepal?

NTA Directors talk about the importance of MDMS at the event

Director of NTA Mr. Surendra Lal Hada briefed on the importance, features, and technical aspects of MDMS. He also shared information about its practical implementation among the participants at the event. Another Director of NTA Mr. Revati Ram Panta analyzed the MDMS BYLAWS 2075 and explained its importance and clarified its potential.

Other delegates from NTC, NCELL, Smart Cell, MPIA, and NMDA/ FNDBA also shared the importance of implementing MDMS in Nepal.

Chief Guest Mr. Baikuntha Aryal said MDMS should come under operation within the boundary of the Nepali people and the Nepali constitution. At the end of the program, the Chairperson of NTA Mr. Purushottam Khanal expressed his gratitude to all the delegates present. He then reassured the commitment that MDMS will go live from Bhadra 30, 2079.

Also read: NTA implementing Mobile Number Portability in Nepal

How do you feel about NTA implementing the MDMS security system to monitor grey phones in Nepal? Or are you skeptical of its efficiency? You can share with us in the comments below.