Last Updated on August 11, 2026
Summary✨
- Nepal’s communication ministry proposed a new telecom bill to replace the outdated Telecommunications Act, 2053.
- The new Telecom Bill aims to address modern industry challenges and needs, supporting advancements like 5G and AI.
- Key provisions include better governance, improved consumer rights, and alignment with international obligations.
- The bill will be presented to Parliament in the second quarter of the fiscal year FY 2083/84, marking a significant step for Nepal’s telecom industry.
- Expected benefits include enhanced service quality, increased competition, and support for digital transformation.
The communication ministry has released a concept paper for a new telecom bill to implement a new Telecommunications Act that fits timely to meet the moder-day telecom needs and demands. The ministry has released the conceptual framework under the leadership of the secretary Laxmi Kumari Basnet.
So far, Nepal’s telecom landscape is governed by the Telecommunications Act, 2053 (1997). The ministry has concluded that it doesn’t address the scenario of the current telecommunications industry. The ministry expects that the new telco act will help tackle modern technology and infrastructure challenges. The industry stakeholders including the service providers have long demanded a new telco act that addresses modern needs and challenges. The government seems to undertake a concrete effort now.
Overview: Key Provisions of the Proposed Telecommunications Bill
The draft document for the new telecom act sets out a modern governance framework prepared to tackle modern technology and infrastructure challenges:
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Reasons for the new telecom regulations in Nepal
The ministry has identified the following reasons as the need to replace the Telecommunications Act, 2053 with a new and modern one.
- Constitutional Reason
- International Obligation: Nepal is a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Therefore, it must utilize and benefit from telecommunication technologies.
- Supreme Court Ruling:
- Government Policy and Program: With the implementation of the Telecommunications Policy 2060 (2004), Broadband Policy 2071 (2014), and Information and Communication Technology Policy 2072 (2015), there has been an increase in service providers, investments, service users, and revenue in the telecommunications sector. The government’s Budget Speech for Fiscal Year 2083/84 (2026/27) also explicitly mentions presenting the Telecommunications Bill to Parliament which has made drafting a new law necessary.
- Any Other Reason: Time-relevant provisions must be formed in the law complying with the rapid development of technology in the telecommunications sector.
Additionally, a new governing act will contribute to achieve the fast-paced development in the high-speed broadband and digital networks that need up to date legal definitions.
The bill will be presented at the parliament of Nepal in the second quarter of the current fiscal year FY 2083/84.
Expected Benefits of the new telecom bill
Once passed by Parliament, the ministry expects the below benefits from the new telecom bill:
- Maintaining harmony with the Constitution of Nepal and the government’s policy and programs
- Making the telecommunications sector modern and competitive
- Making telecommunication services high-quality and universally accessible
- Ensuring effective management of radio frequency, numbering, and telecommunications infrastructure
- Promoting the digital economy and innovation
- Having a clear classification of telecommunication services and networks
- Ensuring the protection of consumer rights
The concept paper states that a new law is necessary to provide a legal basis for digital transformation, to make radio frequencies transparent and competitive, to improve the quality of telecom services and promote investment in the section.
The document also reads that the new bill will take reference from three key international regulations:
- India (Telecommunications Act, 2023)
- Australia (Telecommunications Act, 1997)
- The UK (Communication Act, 2003)
Telecom bill is going to revolutionary
The new Telecom Bill in Nepal is a major step forward for the country’s telecommunications industry. The new regulations will replace the 3-decade old Telco Act (2053) and address various needs and challenges of the industry. It is expected to also bring resolution to issues regarding taxes, license and renewal fees, radio frequency charges, etc.
The demand for 5G in Nepal is soaring while 4G improvement is also ongoing. Additionally, phasing out of legacy networks and growth of AI, IoT, etc. is dominating the talks. These topics will also be covered by the new telecom bill.
Recently NTA also released Nepal’s road to 5G for MBB enhancement. NTA also released 8 directives to telcos for 5G and quality improvement.
The process towards the bill will take time. But for now, it will be presented at the parliament in the second quarter of the current fiscal year.
FAQs on a new Telecom Bill in Nepal
The existing Telecommunications Act, 2053 (1997) no longer adequately addresses modern telecom technologies, infrastructure, and industry needs.
The bill could be presented to Parliament in the second quarter of FY 2083/84.
It is likely to help improve service quality, expand accessibility, promote competition and innovation, and protect consumer rights.
It will cover radio frequency, numbering, telecom infrastructure, digital networks, licensing, and emerging technologies such as 5G, AI, and IoT.
The concept paper references telecom laws from India, Australia, and the UK.
