Kathmandu. Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has directed mobile service providers to prepare and submit a phased action plan to start the launch of 5G mobile services in the country. The ministry has also issued an eight-point directive to prioritize the expansion of 4G services across the country and to improve the quality of mobile services.

According to a press release issued by NTA on Friday, necessary directives have been issued to mobile service providers including Nepal Telecom and Ncell in accordance with Section 15 of the Telecommunications Act, 2053 BS regarding service quality, regulatory compliance, protection of consumer interest and expansion of new technology.

The NTA has directed the service providers to prepare a phased action plan with the goal of starting 5G services from major urban areas and submit it to the NTA. It has also emphasized to increase the quality of 4G services across the country by expanding its reach. This is expected to accelerate the expansion of high-speed mobile internet services and the implementation of new generation telecommunications technology in Nepal.

With the focus on improving the quality of mobile service, NTA has directed to improve network reliability, data speed level and customer experience. The service providers are required to submit a report on whether or not the key performance indicators (KPIs) determined by the Authority have been fulfilled on a regular basis. Details such as network status, service interruption, data speed and customer satisfaction should also be provided on a regular basis.

The authority has also directed to make the customer support system technology-friendly to improve customer service. It also calls upon the service providers to effectively implement the consumer charter, use modern technology including artificial intelligence (AI) for 24-hour grievance redressal, and regularly conduct customer satisfaction surveys and take corrective steps based on the same.

Directives have also been issued to expand the network on the basis of priority in the areas where mobile services are not available or quality services are not available. The government has called for the expansion of high-speed mobile broadband services, especially in industrial areas, business centers and major urban areas. The details of the places where the service has been covered should be included in the map of Nepal and updated every three months.

NEA has also stressed on making maximum use of limited national resources like radio frequencies. Directives have been issued to make effective use of the distributed frequencies and to reduce the cost of double investment through common use of telecommunication infrastructure and facilitate service expansion.

Likewise, the NRA has also asked to set clear timetable, progress indicators and timelines for the grant-in-aid projects for effective implementation and submit regular progress reports. Service providers have also been directed to prepare and implement cyber security, network security, disaster recovery and business continuity plans in view of the increasing cyber risks.

The NEA has also urged the government to adopt a cost-based, scientific and transparent fee determination system towards fee management. Necessary proposals should be submitted to the Authority by regularly reviewing the service charges as per the market demand, technological development and consumer needs.

The NTA believes that with the effective implementation of these directives, the quality of mobile services, expansion of 4G and upcoming 5G services, protection of consumer rights and the use of new technology in the telecommunications sector will gain momentum. The regulatory system has been made more effective with the objective of making the telecommunications sector more competitive, accountable and technology-friendly.