Tunis:Fourteen internet service providers have been fined by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) for operating against the criteria it has endorsed, with each receiving a penalty of Rs 50,000.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the decision to fine these ISPs was made following an inspection and probe report, which confirmed violations of the terms of the licenses issued by the NTA. The fines were imposed under Section 47(1) of the Telecommunications Act, 2053.
NTA Spokesperson Min Prasad Aryal stated that the service providers faced action for failing to provide services according to approved packages, overcharging customers, selling unauthorized packages, and not timely informing customers about such packages. The NTA’s actions aim to curb these unethical practices.
The regulations require service providers to submit proposed rates and their effective dates for approval at least three months in advance, in line with guidelines on tariff determination. Some service providers, however, failed to comply with this requirement.
The fined companies include Broadlink Network and Communication Pvt. Ltd., Classic Tech Pvt. Ltd., Websurfer Nepal Communication System Pvt. Ltd., Fiberworld Communication Pvt. Ltd., Vianet Communications Ltd., Aeronet Pvt. Ltd., Dish Media Network Ltd., Wifi Nepal Pvt. Ltd., C.G Communication Ltd., WorldLink Communications Ltd., Firstlink Communication Pvt. Ltd., Pokhara Internet Pvt. Ltd., Techminds Network Pvt Ltd., and Subisu Cablenet Ltd.
The NTA has instructed these service providers to immediately suspend any internet service packages and tariff rates implemented without prior approval and report back on the developments. They are also required to provide compensation or restitution for any losses incurred by customers due to such activities, based on claims made by the customers.
The Authority has reiterated that all licensed telecommunications service providers must obtain prior approval before launching any service package or tariff plan, and they must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and conditions of their licenses.