KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has called for the immediate mobilization of the Rural Telecommunication Development Fund (RTDF) to boost connectivity across rural Nepal.
During a monitoring visit to the Nepal Telecommunications Technical Development Authority (NEA) office in Jamal, he emphasized coordination with service providers to expedite the fund’s implementation.
Minister Gurung underlined the importance of institutional cooperation in advancing the Digital Nepal campaign, particularly through the Integrated Office Management System (IOMS).
He said that implementing IOMS across local and provincial levels could significantly curb corruption while enhancing governance.
“Expanding 4G services nationwide and launching 5G in Kathmandu Metropolitan City are priorities for this year,” he said, adding that the government is also moving towards establishing its own security printing system.
Accompanying the minister, Communications Secretary Radhika Aryal stressed the need for NEA to strengthen its regulatory role and complete pending projects promptly.
“New projects haven’t started, and old ones are unfinished. This requires urgent attention,” she said, while also advocating for thorough discussions on amendments to the Telecommunications Act 1997.
NEA Chair Bhupendra Bhandari briefed the minister on challenges, including the office’s reliance on rented premises.
He said that steps have been taken to secure land and budget for constructing a dedicated building, to which Minister Gurung assured full support, recognizing the need for adequate physical infrastructure to drive technological development.
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