Ncell Writes to PM Balendra Shah Seeking Review on Share Transfer & License Renewal Dispute
24th July 2026, Kathmandu
Ncell Appeals to PM Balendra Shah to Resolve Share Transfer & License Renewal Dispute
Ncell writes a letter to Prime Minister Balendra Shah demanding a legal review of govt decisions on its share transfer, license renewal conditions, and telecom regulation amendments.
Ncell Writes PM Balendra Shah
Private telecommunications operator Ncell has once again written to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, urging the government to review previous decisions regarding its share ownership transfer, license renewal conditions, and amendments to telecommunications regulations.
In a formal letter delivered to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Ncell asserted that several government rulings, conditional requirements set by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), and the 10th amendment to the Telecommunications Regulation are inconsistent with existing laws.
Key Points of Ncell’s Appeal to the Government
Ncell highlighted that these regulatory hurdles have cast a shadow on foreign direct investment (FDI) and damaged Nepal’s broader investment climate.
Lack of Response to Previous Letters: Ncell had previously submitted a review request to the Prime Minister’s Office, relevant ministries, departments, and the NTA on Poush 23, 2082 (January 7, 2026). Having received no formal direction or decision since then, the company re-submitted its petition.
Supreme Court Directives: The operator emphasized that the Supreme Court of Nepal had already directed relevant authorities to proceed in accordance with the law, urging the government to make concrete moves toward a resolution.
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Legal Inconsistencies: Ncell challenged the Cabinet’s Falgun 6, 2080 (February 18, 2024) decision concerning its share buy-sell arrangement, the additional conditions imposed by the NTA during license renewal, and the 10th amendment to the Telecommunications Regulations 2054. The company stated these decisions contradict constitutional guarantees and the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act (FITTA) 2075.
Cabinet Authority to Revise Decisions: Ncell pointed out that the Cabinet holds the constitutional and legal authority to amend, repeal, or replace its own past decisions, noting that a Cabinet-level review remains the only viable path to settle the dispute.
Background of the Ncell Share Transfer Controversy
The legal controversy originated when Axiata Investments (UK) sold its 80% stake in Ncell held via Reynolds Holdings to Spectrlite UK.
The regulatory body, NTA, refused to formally recognize the transaction, citing that the share transfer occurred without prior regulatory approval as mandated by telecom bylaws.
Ncell maintains that the former government inappropriately intervened in a purely commercial transaction by forming a high-level probe committee and bringing the matter to the Cabinet level.
Moving forward, Ncell expressed confidence that the current administration under Prime Minister Balendra Shah will take a lawful, transparent, and investment-friendly approach to resolve the long-standing regulatory impasse.
For more: Ncell Writes PM Balendra Shah
