KATHMANDU: The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has launched the Mobile Device Management System (MDMS) to discourage illegal import, sale and distribution of mobile phone sets.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki inaugurated the system aimed at containing possible entry of smartphones through an illegal channel and their sale and distribution. With this, the stolen and lost sets would be tracked and blocked.

Similarly, mobile phone sets brought from foreign countries individually and brought in operation to date will be automatically registered in the MDMS.

On the occasion, the Ministry said the System is expected to contribute for controlling unlawful import and sale of mobile phone sets, having a positive impact on the mobile business. He took time to say that the incumbent government wished to encourage and cooperate with the private sector in its efforts to take the country towards the path of prosperity.

The Minister said the government was always aware of the status of country’s economy and is committed to taking all possible measures to lead it on the right track. The Minister stressed the need of effective implementation of the MDMS.

Also speaking on the occasion, Ministry Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal advised to be prepared for tackling with possible issues in course of the implementation of MDMS while NTA Chair Purushotttam Khanal urged mobile phone importers and distributors to strictly follow the MDMS rules.

IMS Group, the importer and supplier of mobile phone sets of Samsung brand expressed hope that the MDMS would be helpful in further systematizing the trade of mobile phone sets.