Communication minister urges telecom providers to operate professionally, follow regulations

KATHMANDU: Minister for Information and Communication Dr Bikram Timilsina has urged telecommunications service providers to operate professionally and in full compliance with the country’s legal and regulatory framework.

Speaking at a meeting at the ministry with a representative of Ncell Axiata, Timilsina said the government is committed to making the telecom sector clean, transparent and competitive. He emphasised that all service providers are treated equally by the ministry and that companies operating within the law will receive necessary support.

“Ncell should come with a commitment to compete fairly and mend past mistakes. The government treats companies adhering to the laws equally,” Timilsina said.

The minister said past disputes and legal issues involving Ncell will be investigated transparently and that the company must improve its practices to prevent recurrence. He added that the government and regulatory bodies are ready to help create a clean and healthy ecosystem in the telecom sector, and that service providers must work in coordination.

The meeting was attended by joint secretaries Udaya Bahadur Ranamagar and Gaurav Giri, and under-secretary (Technical) Rajesh Kumar Thapa. 

Minister Timilsina said it is the responsibility of the government and regulators to correct past errors and guard against future ones to ensure the sector operates professionally.

The Communication Minister also confirmed that resolution of past disputes with Ncell and any transfer of ownership after the licence period expires will be handled in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

Dilliram Shrestha, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer of Ncell Axiata, said the company is working on initiatives to improve services and its business systems, and has welcomed government moves to refine the subscription model, implement a pay-as-you-go system and roll out 5G services.

(With inputs from RSS)

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