Kathmandu. A total of 14 internet service providers have been fined Rs 50,000 each for selling internet services against the directives and approved standards of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority.

According to a press release issued by the Authority on Tuesday, the Authority has decided to impose a fine on the service providers as per Section 47 (1) of the Telecommunication Act, 2053 after the inspection and investigation proved that they violated the terms and conditions of the license issued by the Authority.

NTA spokesperson Min Prasad Aryal said the action was taken against those who did not follow the instructions of the authority, did not provide internet service as per the approved package, charged more than the fixed price, sold packages different from the approved packages and did not inform the service recipients about such packages on time.

Spokesperson Aryal said that action has been taken to control such activities saying not providing service as per the internet speed and package approved by the Authority and charging more than the approved rate is against the interest of consumers.

According to the authority, the service provider has to submit it for approval at least three months in advance, mentioning the proposed rate and the date of implementation as per the guidelines related to fee determination. However, some service providers have not followed this provision.

The service providers fined are Broadlink Network and Communication Pvt Ltd, Classic Tech Pvt Ltd, Web Surfer Nepal Communication System Pvt Ltd, Fiberworld Communications Pvt Ltd, Vianet Communications Pvt Ltd, Aeronet Pvt Ltd, Dish Media Network Ltd, WiFi Nepal Pvt Ltd, CG Communications, Worldlink Communications Pvt Ltd, First Link Communications Pvt Ltd, Pokhara Internet Pvt Ltd, Techminds Network Ltd and Subisu Limited.

The Authority has also directed the concerned service providers to immediately stop the internet service packages and charges operated without approval and inform them about it. If any customer has suffered any loss due to such activities, it has also been instructed to pay compensation or compensation on the basis of the customer’s demand.

The Authority has warned all licensed telecommunication service providers to take approval before implementing any service package or tariff rate and not to operate any package without approval. It has also been directed to fully comply with the prevailing Act, Rules and Conditions of License.

Earlier, NEA had clarified that the internet service charges had not been increased on October 9 and warned of taking action against the providers charging more than the approved rate and operating the service unauthorizedly.

Stating that no proposal has been received from the service provider to increase the fee and the authority has not given approval to increase the fee, the NEA reminded that there is a provision that the approved fee rate should be made public.

The service recipients have also been urged to lodge a complaint with the Authority if they are found charging more than the approved rate or operating the service illegally and violating the rights and interests of the consumers. The Authority has stated that the service should be operated as per the prevailing laws to protect the rights and interests of consumers, promote fair competition and make the internet service systematic.