KATHMANDU: Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has approved new internet tariffs for three major internet service providers—WorldLink Communications, Vianet Communications and Subisu CableNet—bringing an end to a tariff approval process that had remained largely stalled for around 13 months.

The approval gives legal recognition to the companies’ new high-speed internet packages and sets monthly tariffs ranging from Rs 751 to Rs 2,699, excluding government taxes.

The tariffs have been approved under Section 42 of the Telecommunications Act, 2053. Maintenance and support charges are included in the approved tariffs, while Telecommunication Service Charge (TSC), VAT and other applicable government taxes will be charged separately.

Vianet offers up to 650 Mbps

Vianet Communications’ tariff was approved on 25 Shrawan 2083. The company has received approval for 26 fibre internet packages ranging from 40 Mbps to 650 Mbps.

The approved monthly tariff for the 40 Mbps package is Rs 907.08, while the 100 Mbps package costs Rs 1,261.06, 200 Mbps Rs 1,526.54, 500 Mbps Rs 2,256.64 and the top-end 650 Mbps package Rs 2,699.12.

Subisu starts at Rs 751

Subisu CableNet has received approval for packages ranging from 20 Mbps to 300 Mbps.

Its 20 Mbps package costs Rs 751 per month with a 500 GB monthly FUP limit. The 30 Mbps package costs Rs 801, 100 Mbps Rs 1,096 and 300 Mbps Rs 1,517.

Subisu will provide the packages at a 1:4 sharing ratio. The approved plans also include a fallback policy under which internet access continues at a reduced speed after the applicable data limit is reached.

WorldLink focuses on high-speed packages

WorldLink Communications’ tariff was approved on 21 Shrawan 2083, with the company focusing primarily on high-speed services.

Its 200 Mbps package has been approved at Rs 1,190 per month, 300 Mbps at Rs 1,300, 500 Mbps at Rs 1,400 and 600 Mbps at Rs 1,667.

WorldLink will provide these packages at a relatively lower 1:2 sharing ratio, while government taxes will be charged separately.

13-month tariff freeze comes to an end

The approvals mark a significant development for Nepal’s broadband market, where tariff approvals had been held up for around 13 months amid board-level and policy-related uncertainty at the telecom regulator.

With the latest decisions, the three ISPs will have to provide the approved packages at the authorised tariff rates and publicly disclose the applicable charges to customers.

The move is expected to intensify competition among internet providers on price, speed, data limits and sharing ratios, while giving consumers greater clarity over the officially approved cost of broadband services.