Last Updated on August 11, 2023
Private operator Ncell Axiata has strongly refuted misleading news regarding the integration of TERAMOCS in its network and user data sharing. In its statement, the telco condemned a news article published on Thursday, August 10 in a national daily and its online version titled ‘Nagarikko copy suchana dina Ncell tayar’. The company has criticized it as a “deliberate attempt to misconstrue facts to mislead the public”.
Ncell also clarified that it is currently studying technical aspects of the implementation of the telecom monitoring system. That also means that the telco has not yet agreed to align with Nepal Telecommunications Authority for cooperation.
Expressing its disapproval, Ncell has called it an attempt to cause damage to its reputation. It also claimed that news such as the one mentioned above comes to cater to the needs of some groups.
It is our belief that this company has been made a victim to fulfill the vested interests of some limited groups, practicing unethical journalism. We strongly condemn the news and request all to not get misled by such false, baseless, misleading, and unbalanced news reports.
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Ncell gives a 4-point clarification regarding user data handling after the “misleading TERAMOCS news“
Ncell has strongly denied that it’s ever going to compromise user data as it’s of the “highest priority” at the company. Additionally, the telco has made it clear that it has not yet integrated or connected TERAMOCS in its system.
- In a 4-point rebuttal, Ncell said that it accords the highest priority towards user data privacy and security. Affirming its commitment, the telco added that it has never allowed any access to customer data as reported in the news. “Nor have we agreed to any agency to provide access to such confidential data,” the company said.
- Ncell also confirmed that it has not been integrated or connected to the TERAMOCS system yet. Emphatically, the company again reiterated that it doesn’t make compromises on any personal user data. That it won’t also allow the use of any information for any unauthorized or unlawful purpose.
You may also like to read: Is Phone-Tapping Becoming Legal in Nepal?
Still conducting a technical study for implementation
- Likewise, making itself further clear on TERAMOCS, Ncell said that it is still conducting a technical study for its implementation. The telco says that it will derive a conclusion only after determining the system’s implication for the company and user data.
- The telco said that its final decision on the telecom monitoring system will be based on the findings of its study. Before that, the company assures that controversial integration won’t be taking place. “Nor the company will share any confidential customer data with any party,” as Ncell assures.
Ncell states that it is established as per the prevailing laws of Nepal and remains committed to complying with all the regulatory and legal provisions. Also, it adds that respecting and protecting user privacy is not an obligation but a commitment, which is key to maintaining customers’ confidence and trust. Check out: Nta to require Mobile and SIM registered in the same person’s name
TERAMOCS or Telecommunications Traffic Monitoring and Fraud Control System has been a hot topic recently. NTA, the telecom governing regulator is seeking cooperation from Nepal Telecom and Ncell for its implementation. However, many have feared the system’s capacity and its use for phone tapping and accessing user data. Ncell has agreed to TERAMOCS on paper but as it says, there is no concrete decision on its integration. Nepal Telecom, Ncell’s immediate competitor has also openly expressed its resistance to agreeing to it.
How concerned are you with NTA speeding up its effort to bring TERAMOCS into operation? Do you think that your personal data and information are at serious stake? Don’t forget to share your perspective on this hot topic in the comments below.
