Nepal Telecom has warned internet service providers (ISPs) and cable TV service providers in Koshi Province that it might cut their internet cables on the poles if they fail to pay the rental charge by the end of Jestha. The state-backed company issued the stern warning today (Jestha 08, 2081) via a statement.
The company mentions that if the service providers fail to pay the pole rental, it could take action anytime from Ashar 01, 2081. Likewise, it said that the companies must take full responsibility for any consequences that may transpire. The company’s Provincial Directorate in Biratnagar issued the notice to the ISPs and cable TV providers in Koshi Province.
“All cable TV operators and ISPs who use poles in the Koshi region of this company (Nepal Telecom) are requested to enter into an agreement regarding the use of poles and compulsorily pay the pole rental amount for the Fiscal Year FY 2080/81 by the end of Jestha 2081 by contacting the nearest Ntc office or the regional directorate in Biratnagar,” the notice read.
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Nepal Telecom warning about cutting ISP cables reminds the recent history of the same
The warning reminds the cable-cutting issue that dragged on in recent years between the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and ISPs. At one point, this even led the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to declare the internet as a fundamental need. However, here, Ntc is the authority issuing the warning.
As a telecom giant, it lets other service providers use its infrastructure and receives a rental fee in payment. Therefore, if you were unaware, it’s worth understanding that Ntc allows various companies such as ISPs and cable TV service providers to use its poles to run their services to customers’ homes. For this, they must pay pole rental fees to the company. Check out: Best Internet service providers in Nepal
Let’s hope that the conflict between Ntc and ISP, cable TV providers doesn’t result in an internet outage for customers. Likewise, any conflict between the telecom giant and service providers should see resolution through a common ground. However, do notice that the international internet bandwidth payment to the indian upstream providers has not resolved permanently, which led to the six hours internet outage or slowdown in Nepal.
