Kathmandu: The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has unveiled a draft of its integrated telecommunications policy. The draft has been prepared to make the telecommunications sector relevant, competitive, and effective as per the advancement of innovative technology, integrating various existing policies related to the telecom sector.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the draft proposes integrating several existing policies, including the Information and Communications Sector Long-term Policy, 2059; Telecommunications Policy, 2060; Broadband Policy, 2071, and Information and Communications Technology Policy, 2072. It also aims to enhance the implementation of the Satellite Policy, 2077, the National Cyber Security Policy, 2080, Telecommunication Service Radio Frequency (Allocation and Pricing) Policy, 2080, and the National Artificial Intelligence Policy, 2082.
The NTA has emphasized the need for a new policy to leverage the opportunities created by the latest technology for general consumers. The draft aims to expand Nepal’s digital transformation through the use of telecommunication technology, improve daily convenience, promote inclusive economic growth, and ensure equal access to digital opportunities for all citizens.
A significant target of the draft is to reduce the cost of basic broadband services to 2.4 percent of per capita gross national income within five years and 1.5 percent in ten years. Additionally, the draft proposes increasing the direct contribution of Information and Communications Technology to the gross domestic product (GDP) to four percent in five years and seven percent in ten years.
The policy also sets an ambitious goal to boost digital literacy to 60 percent in five years and 85 percent in ten years, encouraging digital skill development. It aims to promote innovation and investment by fostering a systematic, transparent, and competitive telecom market.
To address the digital divide, the draft includes proposals for expanding telecom infrastructure in rural and remote areas, utilizing innovative technology, and fostering effective public-private partnerships. It also emphasizes the development of human resources, research in innovative technology, and the application of telecom technology in various national sectors.
The draft outlines measures for strengthening institutional capacity and revising existing telecommunication laws to enhance implementation mechanisms. It also prioritizes building a society based on skill and knowledge, along with ensuring digital rights and cyber security.
The goal is to make telecommunications competitive and sustainable in collaboration with the private sector and foreign investors by facilitating the licensing and radio frequency distribution process. The draft aims to update the policy to increase productivity in sectors such as education, health, tourism, industry, and energy.