Nepal Communications Ministry 100-Day Report: Digital Progress, Telecom Expansion
2nd February 2025, Kathmandu
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) announced the full achievement of its targets for the second 100 days of government operation.
Nepal Communications Ministry 100-Day Report
Secretary Radhika Aryal presented the accomplishment report at a Kathmandu press conference. The ministry showcased progress in telecommunications, postal services, and digital initiatives.
Connectivity Expansion:
The MoCIT finalized the “Network Coverage Gap Assessment.” This report will guide efforts to improve nationwide connectivity. They established data center standards, which will ensure better digital infrastructure. Post offices now operate in all 753 local units. This includes numerous post offices, directorates, and counters.
Fixed broadband service saw a 0.36% increase, benefiting over 150,000 people. The ministry reported a 1.72% growth in fixed broadband this fiscal year, reaching over 500,000 new users. Mobile service access also grew, adding over 230,000 users. Over 1.6 million new mobile connections occurred this fiscal year. Total mobile users now exceed 29 million.
4G/LTE service expanded significantly. Over 1.7 million people gained access in the last 100 days. More than 25 million people now use 4G/LTE services. Optical fiber network expansion added 278 km of cable. The total network now spans over 17,000 km. FTTH service is available in all 77 districts.
Digital Government Initiatives:
The ministry advanced digital governance. They trained staff from ten more agencies on the Integrated Office Management System (GIOS). Ninety-five agencies now use GIOS. They performed security audits on 20 systems. They plan to audit 30 more systems this fiscal year. The Citizen App now offers 64 government services.
Media and Broadcasting Updates:
The MoCIT worked to preserve Nepal’s media. They digitized 16 more years of Gorkhapatra archives. The archive now includes 84 years of publications. They digitized over 1,400 Radio Nepal audio tapes.
The digital archive now has over 54,000 tapes. Radio Nepal’s reach increased by 1% to cover 94% of the country. Television access reached 72% of the population. Radio Nepal added Danuwar to its broadcast languages, now offering 25 languages. The Gorkhapatra daily now publishes in 45 languages, adding Bambule Rai.
Regulatory and Institutional Reforms:
The ministry implemented several reforms. They renewed Ncell’s operating license. They amended regulations to allow ISP license renewals. They collected overdue payments from ISPs and telecom companies. They received significant royalty payments from several companies. They also collected revenue from frequency band usage.
They conditionally lifted the TikTok ban. They registered the platform and are registering other social media platforms. They appointed leaders to key positions, including Nepal Telecom, the Film Development Board, and the Public Service Broadcasting Corporation. They completed the Postal Services Department’s restructuring.
They enacted the Public Service Broadcasting Act. This led to the merger of Radio Nepal and Nepal Television. The ministry appointed leaders to the new corporation. The Printing Department began printing recharge cards. A social media regulation bill was registered. A film-related bill was submitted for approval. They are finalizing several regulations.
They amended laws to support IT industries. IT companies can now invest abroad. IT industries can operate in special economic zones. They are implementing GIOS across government levels. They are integrating government services into the Citizen App. They established the National Cyber Security Center.
They are auditing government IT systems for security. They are finalizing an Artificial Intelligence policy. They are working to replace outdated media-related acts. The MoCIT’s report highlights the government’s commitment to improving communication and information technology in Nepal.
For more: Nepal Communications Ministry 100-Day Report
