Integrated Telecom Policy 2083: Nepal Reforms Renewal Fees & MNP
23rd August 2026, Kathmandu
Nepal’s new Integrated Telecom Policy 2083 replaces heavy lump-sum license renewal fees with a revenue-based percentage model to stabilize telecom operators.
The reform introduces Mobile Number Portability (MNP), cuts broadband internet costs to below 2% of GNI per capita, targets a minimum speed of 50 Mbps for up to 98% of the population, and promotes digital inclusion alongside 5G, IoT, and AI adoption.
Integrated Telecom Policy 2083
Integrated Telecom Policy 2083: Nepal Reforms Renewal Fees & Introduces MNP
Nepal’s telecommunications sector is set for a major overhaul with the drafting of the Integrated Telecom Policy 2083 (एकीकृत दूरसञ्चार नीति, २०८३) by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). The new policy addresses long-standing financial pressures on service providers while prioritizing consumer benefits, digital inclusion, and modern technological integration.
Key Highlights of Integrated Telecom Policy 2083
Revenue-Based Renewal Fees: Replacing the lump-sum license renewal fee with a percentage of annual gross revenue, reducing financial pressure on telecom companies.
Mobile Number Portability (MNP): Consumers can switch telecom service providers without changing their existing mobile numbers.
Affordable & High-Speed Internet: Target to lower broadband costs below 2% of GNI per capita within 5 years and provide a minimum speed of 50 Mbps.
Digital Inclusion Packages: Discounted telecom and internet packages tailored for women, low-income groups, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities.
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Infrastructure Sharing & Cyber Security: Mandatory optical fiber ducting along highways, infrastructure sharing, and the establishment of a CSIRT for enhanced data protection.
Broadband Internet Expansion & Fee Reduction Targets
| Target Metric | 5-Year Goal | 10-Year Goal |
| Minimum Broadband Speed | 50 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| Population Coverage | 80% | 98% |
| Broadband Cost (% of GNI per capita) | Below 2% | Below 1.5% |
Key Structural Reforms
Integrated Licensing: Unified license system replacing separate categories for operational ease.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Foreign investment welcomed with a minimum requirement of 20% domestic ownership.
Transparent Spectrum Allocation: Market-driven frequency allocation through transparent spectrum auctions.
Emerging Technologies: Regulatory support for testing and commercializing 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, along with the NTA, plans to amend the necessary legal frameworks within six months to operationalize these reforms.
For more: Integrated Telecom Policy 2083
