KATHMANDU: Nepal’s private telecom giant, Ncell, has applied for a 5-year renewal of its operating license.
The company, established in 2004, faces the expiration of its current license in August.
In a bid to manage its financial obligations, Ncell has proposed a staggered payment plan to the Nepal Telecommunication Authority.
The renewal fee amounts to Rs 20 billion for the upcoming 5-year period.
Ncell aims to kickstart this arrangement by paying Rs 4 billion for the first year and has formally submitted a request to the Authority for installment payments over the renewal period.
This move follows the precedent set by its competitor, Nepal Telecommunications Company (Telecom), which paid its renewal fee in full five years ago.
The government had previously allowed both Nepal Telecom and Ncell to pay their renewal fees in installments during prior renewal cycles.
Given the substantial decline in the telecommunications sector’s revenue in Nepal, Ncell finds it financially burdensome to settle the entire Rs 20 billion sum upfront.
The company fears potential closure if such a significant sum were demanded immediately.
Santosh Paudel, spokesperson for the Authority, confirmed Ncell’s request for an installment plan, which includes the initial Rs 4 billion payment.
While the authority deliberates on Ncell’s proposal, the decision ultimately rests with the Ministry of Communication, Information, and Technology.
If necessary, the Ministry can escalate the matter to the Council of Ministers for a final decision, as has been done in previous renewal cycles.
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https://english.khabarhub.com/2024/14/355562/
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