6th October 2023, Kathmandu
In a significant development, the Nepal Telecommunication Authority has issued a compelling order to all licensed service providers (Rural Telecommunications Development Fund).
The directive is crystal clear: deliver the unpaid royalties and rural telecommunications development funds to the government and the competent authorities without delay.
The move comes after the Authority released a public notice, explicitly instructing service providers who have not fulfilled their obligations.
Rural Telecommunications Development Fund
These obligations entail paying royalties amounting to 4% of their total revenue and contributing 2% to the rural telecommunications development fund.
Licensed service providers, under the purview of the Authority, are mandated to remit a fee equal to 4% of their total revenue and an additional 2% to the Business Development Fund in exchange for exploiting telecommunication services in rural areas.
The key highlight of this directive is the urgency attached to it. Service providers are not only required to acknowledge their outstanding dues but also to take immediate steps to settle them.
The regulatory notice leaves no room for complacency, sternly warning that further action will be taken in accordance with regulations if the outstanding amounts are not promptly deposited.
This directive is of paramount importance for both the government and the telecom industry.
The Rural Telecommunications Development and Exploitation Fund plays a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and expanding telecom services to remote areas of Nepal. Ensuring the timely contribution of these funds is crucial to the continued growth and development of the telecommunications sector in the country.
In conclusion, the Nepal Telecommunication Authority’s order to expedite the payment of outstanding rural telecommunications development funds underscores the importance of these contributions for the betterment of the nation.
Service providers must heed this call to action and fulfill their financial obligations promptly to avoid any regulatory consequences. This directive not only benefits the government but also serves as a means to enhance connectivity and access to telecommunication services in rural Nepal, ultimately benefiting the entire population.
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