Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has renewed the mobile service license of Ncell for five years. The telco authority renewed the license of the private telco after the latter paid Rs 1 billion more to total Rs 5 billion in the first installment. Now, Ncell will need to pay off the remaining Rs 15 billion in 3 (Rs 5 billion in each) installments by 2084 BS.
NTA spokesman Santosh Paudel confirmed the news stating that Ncell was granted its license renewal after the company paid Rs 1 billion. The operator paid Rs 4 billion as part of its first installment on Jestha 14, 2081, lawfully three months before the expiration of its license. He also shared that the company has been sent its license document on Sunday, Bhadra 16 (September 01, 2024).
Check out: Ncell data packs latest 2024
Ncell mobile service license renewed with 3 installment payment facility
NTA permitted Ncell to pay its license renewal fee of Rs 20 billion in four installments. So, now it has Rs 15 billion to pay to the authority by 2084 Bhadra 15. Ncell is required to pay Rs 5 billion in each installment over three installments. Likewise, the company has to pay 10% interest on the remaining amount every year. The cabinet meeting on Thursday, Bhadra 13, 2081 headed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
According to Paudel, Ncell can pay off its remaining license renewal fee before the provided timeframe if it chooses to. Ncell’s GSM mobile service license was to expire on Bhadra after reaching 20 years in service.
Also recommended: Ncell eSIM activation process in 2024
Our conclusion
Finally, the government has put an end to a saga over Ncell’s license renewal. It’s a relief to all, Ncell, NTA, the government, and also the telco’s paying customers that its services will continue. Earlier, the telco had expressed concerns over discrepant treatment from NTA in regards to interest on license payments. The generous installment facility given to Ncell should conclude the longstanding skirmishes between the telco and the government.
Likewise, the facility to Ncell also translates to positive references for Ncell’s contribution to Nepal’s connectivity and digital transformation. Ncell is Nepal’s leading telecom company with over 36% market share in market proportion. It provides 4G, eSIM, VoLTE, Facebook basic mode, and various other digital services. Since its inception, the company has contributed to the government with Rs 320 billion in taxes and non-tax revenues.
Drop your opinion: Are you happy that NTA has finally renewed the license of Ncell and put an end to the entire saga over the matter? Or do you think the Rs 20 billion renewal fee is unjustifiable in current times? We would love to hear your input in the comment section below.
