KATHMANDU: Information and Communications Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina has said the Bhotekoshi floods caused damage worth around Rs 88.5 million to the telecommunications sector.
Speaking at the House of Representatives meeting on Wednesday, Minister Timilsina said mobile BTS, wireline, FTTH and backbone transmission infrastructure suffered damage worth Rs 88.512 million due to the floods.
Of the 120 telecommunications sites in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, 83 were disrupted. He said all but three sites that were completely damaged, namely Trishuli Three-B, Chilime Khola and Timure, have resumed operations.
He said mobile coverage up to Timure-Rasuwagadhi was restored by using alternative towers and transporting equipment and solar systems by helicopter.
Minister Timilsina also said the government is committed to full press freedom and human rights and has introduced the new Advertising Policy 2083 B.S. to regulate the advertising market.
He said the government plans to ensure that public welfare advertisements are distributed proportionately and fairly based on classification, coverage and duration, noting that such advertisements are state support rather than journalists’ salaries.
Timilsina also said the government is preparing policy and legal reforms to control fraud, character assassination and the spread of false and misleading information through social media.
He said relevant agencies are coordinating to control cyber fraud and that more than 305,000 unique betting sites and new betting apps have so far been identified and shut down.
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