Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has finally started facilitation for Ncell over the 2100 MHz frequency payment controversy. The authority has paved the way for foreign exchange recommendation facility after sending a recomendation to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT). The development allows the private telco to resume its telecom service expansion and upgrade works.
To clarify, NTA had stopped foreign currency exchange recommendations for Ncell over the 2100 MHz dues. This blocked the telco’s work for bringing in new telco equipment, installing new towers, expanding services, etc. In fact, Ncell couldn’t perform these activities for the last 15 months as NTA refused foreign currency exchange recommendation.
As a result, Ncell’s network improvement and expansion works were on hold. But this not only affected the company itself, but also hurt the service for the customers. On various occasions, Ncell also maintained that the 2100 MHz issue and the absence of NTA’s facilitation derailed its projects. But the Patan High Court has already given its verdict on the case. So, NTA has started making things easier for telcos and internet service providers (ISPs).
Also: Ntc gets big relief in 2100 MHz band frequency fee
NTA provides facilitation to Ncell after the 2100 MHz payment issue clears
As NTA starts facilitation for Ncell, the telco should get a forex recommendation, equipment import recommendation, cell tower installation, and other approvals.
In Nepal, telecom companies require approval from NTA (telecom regulator) to provide its services and run necessary activities. Both Ncell and its rival Nepal Telecom (NTC) were out of NTA approval for months due to the 2100 MHz dues case. It was resolved recently at the Patan High Court. Therefore, the authority has paved the way for the communication ministry and Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to provide foreign currency exchange recommendations.
Now, NTA is in the process of collecting outstanding frequency dues. The authority’s assistant spokesperson, Dr. Pradip Paudel, said, “Although some frequency fees are still being collected, the facilitation work by the NTA has started. However, the foreign exchange approval of equipment imports and bandwidth is not entirely within the jurisdiction of the NTA.”
Find: How to use Ncell VoWiFi and its tariff
Big relief for Ncell and the industry
The facilitation from NTA comes as a big relief for Ncell. For the past 15 years, it couldn’t expand telecom services and continue upgrade works due to the lack of facilitation from the authority. This not only affected Ncell but also impacted telecom services for the users. But now, the company can resume its infrastructure-related works with necessary arrangement from NTA and MoCIT.
Ncell is a leading telecom service provider and boasts 96% coverage. The company is also aiming for 5G services in the near future and has launched Sadhain ON data packs as part of its further ambitions. So, its role in Nepal’s digital inclusion and promotion of connectivity is extemely vital. NTA and MoCIT’s facilitation will greatly help it carry out necessary expansion and upgrade plans.
