KATHMANDU: Mobile service provider Ncell has not paid the full renewal fee for its 20-year license, which was due by May 28.
Ncell only submitted Rs 4 billion at the last moment and requested an installment facility.
According to Santosh Paudel, spokesperson for the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), Ncell has not paid the required Rs 20 billion renewal fee and now has until August 31 to pay with a penalty.
“Ncell has only deposited Rs 4 billion. They can pay the remaining amount with a penalty by August 31. If they fail to do so, their license will be revoked,” he said.
The NTA had issued a notice to Ncell on May 17, urging them to pay the renewal fee. However, Ncell paid Rs 4 billion on May 27 and requested an installment plan.
Since Ncell did not pay the full amount by May 28, they now need to pay an additional 15 percent penalty according to the Telecommunications Regulations, 1997.
Spokesperson Paudel stated that there had been no discussion regarding Ncell’s request for an installment plan and that the company is required to pay the full fee.
According to Section 25 of the Nepal Telecommunications Act, 1997, telecom companies operating in Nepal must obtain and renew their licenses.
Mobile service providers must renew their licenses for the first time after 10 years, the second time after 15 years, and the third time after 20 year after obtaining the permission for 25 years in the beginning.
As per the Nepal Telecommunications Act and Regulations, Ncell must pay Rs 20.132 billion, including penalties, by August 31, or their license will be automatically canceled.
Also read:
https://english.khabarhub.com/2024/28/358138/
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