Smart Telecom Victims Joint Struggle Committee staged a sit-in protest at the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) in Jamal, Kathmandu. The protesters state that the authority hasn’t paid them for house rent, electricity, (employees’) salaries, and recharge card sellers even after cancelling the telco’s license and taking over its properties.
The protesters displayed placards to indicate their demands. They held placards that showed that they haven’t received electricity and other payment from the authority. During the protest, they also pointed out the former Smart Telecom employees not receiving salaries and allowances.
NOTE: Smart Telecom is the parent company of Smart Cell
Smart Telecom had not paid its dues of about 28 billion rupees and had not renewed its license on time. So, the company’s license was automatically revoked on Baisakh 3, 2080, as per the provisions of the Telecommunications Act.
To recall, NTA revoked Smart Telecom’s license after the company failed to pay Rs 28 billion dues. The company also couldn’t pay the regulator license renewal fees, royalties, and other fees.
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Smart Telecom victims protest for payment from NTA
Smart Telecom victims demand that they receive due payment from NTA as it’s now managing the telco’s assets. After repealing the telco’s license, NTA took over its properties and management. As per the Telco Act 2053, the authority is now responsible for handling its infrastructure and resources.
The federal act grants the NTA the right to take control over the management of a non-existing telecom operator. So, NTA is currently responsible for any operations relating to Smart Telecom. And it is doing so, too.
After taking authority of the telco, NTA decided to form a committee as per the telco Act to manage the company and its assets. However, issues have emerged even after nearly two years of the company’s license removal. Those related to the company, house owners where the private telco installed its towers, recharge card sellers, and employees on its payrolls continue to protest with demands.
But it’s not the first time. In Jestha 2080, Smart Cell recharge card traders protested for compensation after the telco went offline. It’s another fresh demonstration. And without NTA’s more efforts, solutions will be harder to achieve.
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Should NTA step up to solve all issues regarding Smart Cell? Do share your opinion in the comments below.
