Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is set to make the migration of IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) mandatory in Nepal. The development comes in part to make the internet safer and more efficient in the future for Nepali users.
Why the shift from IPv4 to IPv6?
NTA feels the need to shift to IPv6 for its benefits. The IPv6 technology ensures a huge space for addresses as it works on 128-bit addresses compared to the 32-bit address system used by IPv4. It’s also more secure with advanced encryption and authentication. It’s also more efficient in routing networks with a simpler header structure. In essence, IPv6 addresses address the limitations of IPv4.
For the complete transition to IPv6, NTA is receiving suggestions and feedback on its IPv6 Migration Bylaw, 2082 (2025). The proposed bylaw mentions implementation of IPv6 within a designated timeframe and also discusses strict action against telcos and internet service providers (ISPs) that don’t comply.
The bylaw proposes that licensees make their system fully compatible with both IPv4 and IPv6 for their implementation.
After getting feedback, NTA will finalize its draft proposal for IPv6 migration.
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NTA wants swift IPv6 migration in Nepal
The Bylaw maintains that licensees must specify a timeline for IPv6 adoption. They can specify time based on their network size, infrastructure complexity, and available resources.
It holds that compliant entities must deploy Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) that are capable of analyzing IPv6 traffic and alerting network administrators of any vulnerability or attack on the network. Entities must also have a filtering mechanism, such as access control lists (ACLs), packet filters, and content filtering proxies, to control the IPv6 traffic flow.
The Bylaw also proposes that licensees conduct regular security audits and assessments to analyze the effectiveness of IPv6 security measures, identify and kill any weaknesses.
NTA to encourage licensees for migration
At the same time, NTA also states that it will allocate resources such as funding, training, and capacity building, as well as technical assistance for licenses to facilitate IPv6 migration.
The Bylaw also has it that the authority will provide financial incentives or grants to licensees to “encourage early and efficient migration to IPv6.”
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NTA mentions in the Bylaw that licensees that don’t adhere to the Bylaw will be subject to soft and hard punishment, which includes penalties, sanctions, or license suspensions.
