KATHMANDU: The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has unveiled a draft of its integrated telecommunications policy.
The draft has been prepared to make the telecommunications sector relevant, competitive and effective as per the advancement of innovative technology, integrating various existing policies related to the telecom sector.
The draft proposes integrating Information and Communications Sector Long-term Policy, 2059; Telecommunications Policy, 2060; Broadband Policy, 2071, and Information and Communications Technology Policy, 2072.
It also aims to make implementation of Satellite Policy, 2077, the National Cyber Security Policy, 2080, Telecommunication Service Radio Frequency (Allocation and Pricing) Policy, 2080, and the National Artificial Intelligence Policy, 2082 more smooth and effective.
Since some objectives laid out by previous policies have already been achieved, the draft has been prepared to set new goals and make the policy timely.
The NTA has stated that a new policy is needed to bring opportunities created by the latest technology to general consumers.
The draft aims to expand Nepal’s digital transformation through the use of telecommunication technology, make daily life convenient, promote inclusive economic growth, and ensure equal access to digital opportunities for all citizens.
By providing quality, secure, reliable, and accessible telecommunication services, and through the highest use of information and communication technology, it has the objective to contribute to the country’s economic and social development.
Similarly, a target has been set to limit the cost of basic broadband services to 2.4 per cent of per capita gross national income in five years and 1.5 per cent in 10 years. The draft has also proposed to increase direct contribution of Information and Communications Technology in gross domestic product (GDP) to four per cent in five years and seven per cent in 10 years.
Likewise, a goal has been proposed to increase digital literacy to 60 per cent in five years and 85 per cent in 10 years encouraging digital skill development.
The policy has an objective of encouraging innovation and investment by promoting systematic, transparent and competitive telecom market.
A proposal to reduce digital gap through expansion of telecom infrastructures in rural and remote areas, use of innovative technology and effective public-private partnership has been proposed in the draft.
The draft also mentioned that capacity development of required human resources for telecom sector, study and research in innovative technology and use of telecom technology in various areas of national life.
Making implementing mechanism effective by timely revising existing laws related to telecommunication, strengthening institutional capacity, and building capacity of human resources have also been proposed.
Likewise, priority would be given in building a society based on skill and knowledge along with digital rights and cyber security. The draft has the policy for ensuring nation-wide availability of and access to the latest telecommunication service for all citizens and making the telecommunication system quality, reliable and secure.
The goal has been set to make the telecommunications sector competitive and sustainable in collaboration with the private sector and foreign investors by further facilitating the licensing and radio frequency distribution process.
The draft was made public to update the policy as it would be useful in increasing productivity in different sectors including education, health, tourism, industry and energy.
