Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) warns not to use unauthorized internet service at Everest Base Camp. In a notice, the authority has asked to stop providing the service immediately and warned that action.
The notice comes after it emerged that satellite internet service was being used at the Everest Base Camp without permission. According to the Telecommunications Act, 2053 (1997), any service provider needs to obtain approval from the NTA to provide telecom services in Nepal.
Also: Kacific Satellite Internet in Nepal: Packages
Providing satellite internet at base camps without approval is is subject to action- NTA
“It has come to light that mountaineering companies operating in some places in Nepal (including in the base camps of high mountains) are providing and using/making use of satellite internet services of foreign telecommunications service providers without authorization. This action conflicts with the provisions of Section 21 of the Telecommunications Act, 2053. Therefore, all concerned are hereby informed not to continue with such an action,” the authority said in its notice.
According to sources, some mountaineering companies are operating Starlink satellite services without any authorization. Some satellite phone services in Nepal operate legally. But SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet has not entered Nepal with NTA approval.
The notice also reminisces about an instance from last year when Elite Himalayan Adventures Pvt. Ltd. was found to operate Starlink internet service. Due to the lack of carrier infrastructure, satellite services are a clear alternative in high-altitude areas like base camps. However, operating them without a license goes against the law of the country.
Speaking of Starlink, The US company wants sole ownership for its services. However, Nepal has a provision that a foreign firm can only own 80% stakes with 20% ownership reserved for a local partner. That has possibly delayed its service launch in the country.
