Nepal’s leading internet service provider (ISP) WorldLink Communications has been granted a new license to continue its services. Telco regulator Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) decided to approve the private ISP’s application for a new license at a recent meeting.
WorldLink’s license validity reached 25 years on Friday, Chaitra 25, 2080. So, the company was without a working license for over 8 months. Initially, there was a conflict between the ISP and NTA over payment dues. But after the Kathmandu-based ISP paid the regulator the “outstanding dues”, it was rewarded with a license renewal.
In total, WorldLink paid NTA Rs two billion, fifteen million, one hundred forty-seven thousand, and five hundred and fifty-two (Rs 2,015,147,552) on Kartik 30 (Rs 2,015,147,552) in royalty and RTDF fees. NTA had warned the company that it would not facilitate the license renewal process if it didn’t clear the dues.
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WorldLink gets license renewal for 25 years
Following its license renewal, the company now effectively has 25 years of permit to serve with renewal in between. The company obtained its operating license on Chaitra 16, 2055 BS for internet and email services.
License renewal for WorldLink became possible after the government made an amend to the Telecommunication Regulations, 2054 that enabled ISPs to renew licenses after reaching 25 years.
WorldLink had to fight through it
The Telecom Act 2053 didn’t have a clear-cut provision for companies after reaching 25 years of service. But article A (e) of section 24, states that a company can be allocated a new license not exceeding 10 years at first. After this, a company gets a license renewal not exceeding five years at a time which makes a total of 25 years for a company.
For this, it’s stipulated that a willing licensee must submit an application and license renewal fee to NTA two months before the license expiration date.
WorldLink maintained that it had already reached NTA with an application for its license renewal before its license expiration. Anyway, the conflict over the payment and the assumptions regarding WorldLink’s new license has been cleared. Now, the company has another possible 25 years in service.
If you were less aware, WorldLink provides fiber internet, IPTV, email, and other digital services in Nepal. The ISP has over nine lakh customers across the country. Regarding customer base, it’s the largest ISP and the third-largest telecom company in Nepal. The ISP has played one of the profound roles in elevating Nepal’s broadband landscape in its internet evolution. The company is also planning on floating its shares via an IPO.
Nepalitelecom.com heartily congratulates WorldLink on getting a new license for its communication services. We hope that it continues to play a significant role in revolutionizing Nepal’s broadband connectivity.
