Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has issued a directive to internet service providers (ISPs) to receive internet fees only after getting approval. The directive comes in response to various companies continuing to implement different packages and rates without permission of the authority.
Nepal has a few dozen internet service providers and a few top ones. While down the order, small-size companies can’t afford to provide several affordable packages, the prominent ISPs on top have the resources to offer packages at cheaper costs. We saw CG Net’s 120 Mbps stirring Nepal’s internet into a new landscape and that evolved in a price and speed war and price war ever since. However, the authority is often having to remind ISPs to get approval for their packages before launching them for the mass consumers.
If you were wondering then, yes. It seems that ISPs have been less obedient in getting their alluring internet packages approved before bringing them to you. But companies must obtain approval for their packages and charges for their commercial launch.
Check out: Nta Tells ISPs to Refrain from ‘Unnecessary’ Price War
NTA tells ISPs to collect internet fees only after approval
In a notice published on Bhadra 20, 2084 NTA told licensed ISPs to get approval for charges for their new internet packages. It also reminded the provision in the Telecommunications Act, 2053 Section 42 that companies need to obtain approval for the fees they receive from customers complying with the agreement. After approval, companies can publish the notice also mentioning the date of receiving approval.
The authority pointed to various ISPs publishing notices about their services on social networks, news outlets, and their websites without approval. Likewise, it has told ISPs to only promote their services after approval.
Back in Mangsir 2079, NTA demanded clarification from prominent ISPs after discrepancies were found between their internet package details on the website and agreement papers with the authority. Additionally, the authority objected to ISPs’ festival offers and made a remarkable decision that ISPs mustn’t bundle router and IPTV invoices in bills.
This thing between ISPs and the regulator keeps emerging from time to time. However, it may cause confusion and legitimacy over the services for customers. So, for the best interest of every party, these issues should not emerge in the first place.
Not complying with NTA for tariff approval can subject ISPs to Rs 50,000 to Rs 5,00,000 in fines.
