Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has started providing several facilitations including recommendations for foreign currency, import license to internet service providers (ISPs) and telecom companies after the conflict over payment was resolved.
The infamous conflict over the 2100 MHz spectrum was resolved after a verdict from the High Court. Arguing its case, the Nepal Telecom event went to Court. The Patan High Court concluded that the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) couldn’t charge NT extra fees and fines on frequency claimed before 2078 Jestha 16.
After this, Ntc had paid Rs 35 crore to NTA for the 2100 MHz frequency. After this, NTA has started giving it forex recommendations. It has also restored the company’s efforts for service expansion across rural and remote parts of the country.
The Telcos/government resolve also means that the company can import necessary equipment for service expansion and upgrades.
Just like Ntc, private company Ncell paid Rs 36 crore to NTA for the controversial 2100 MHz band fees.
Leading ISP WorldLink also went through the same peril. But after the court dismissed its writs, WorldLink paid Rs 2.80 billion to NTA in RTDF and royalty. As a result, WorldLink was able to renew its license. Another IPS Subisu has also paid Rs 31.38 crore to NTA and renewed its license.
NTA provides foreign currency exchange recommendations to ISPs and telcos
NTA spokesman Santosh Paudel confirmed that NTA has started providing telecom companies and ISPs recommendations for foreign currency exchange. He said, “We have started facilitating Nepal Telecom, WorldLink, and Subisu. All companies that have paid have received recommendations.”
Similarly, NTA Assistant Secretary Gajendra Thakur confirmed facilitation for telcos and ISPs. He shared that the ministry has sent letters to NTA to provide recommendations to service providers who have paid their dues.”
To get the currency recommendations, companies first need recommendation letter from NTA. Then, they need to visit the Communications Ministry and then Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) for foreign currency exchanges. Thakur reaffirmed that the lack of payment was the only issue. But those companies who have paid their dues now have no issues getting the forex recommendations.
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Due to the absence of forex recommendations and import license, telcos and ISPs were unable to continue their expansion and service improvement works. They were also not able to pay for the bandwidth. Many parts of Nepal faced internet outage on Baisakh 20 as ISPs couldn’t pay their bandwidth providers. These issues might subside in the near future as conflict between ISPs/telcos and Nta has found a solution through the court’s verdict.
