Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has discontinued its RTDF broadband project. This ends the authority’s ambitious internet project that provided internet connectivity at various educational and health institutions, and ward offices, etc.
The project had started on Magh 29, 2077. Initially, the target was to ensure fiber connectivity in 8 earthquake-affected districts. These were Kavrepalanchowk, Sindhupalchowk, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Dolakha, Sindhuli, Ramechhap, and Okhaldhunga. Besides this, the plan was to install internet at basic level community schools in 66 districts except the above 8 districts and Kathmandu. As part of the project, the authority brought new connections while also upgrading many places. The schools, health centers, ward offices, etc., that were to receive the service would get the internet for free for 2 years.
NTA had reached an agreement with 73 out of 76 local levels in these 8 districts for broadband connectivity. For this, NTA utilized RTDF funds.
But now, the authority has decided not to further expand the project.
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NTA discontinued RTDF broadband project for a new modality
NTA spokesman Minprasad Aryal said that the authority is exploring a new modality to continue with its broadband project.
According to the Authority, the memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed with local levels for which service providers have not been selected or have not started work even after being selected for these programs (implemented from the fiscal year 2077/78), have been automatically canceled. The Authority has also informed such local levels not to proceed with or carry out any work as per the MoU.
The notice mentions that local levels that have completed the broadband installation or selected a service provider by Chaitra 2, 2082, shall submit a claim for payment within 15 days of notice, along with necessary documents.
As the name implies, NTA utilized RTDF funds for resources. According to the Telco Regulation, 2054. Each telecom company needs to annually pay 4% royalty and 2% RTDF out of its revenue. The authority uses these funds to install or upgrade connectivity based on needs.
