Four ISPs Express Interest to Deliver Free Internet

Four Internet Service Providers(ISPs) have sent applications in response to Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) call for applications to provide free internet, reports The Himalayan Times.

Subisu, WorldLink, BroadLink and Vianet have submitted proposals to provide free internet via WiFi in Singha Durbar area, Padma Kanya (PK) Campus area, and Sanchargram (Media Village) premises.

NTA aimed to offer free internet in all public places in the Valley. And it had sought applications at August 20 from interested ISPs.

Min Prasad Aryal, spokesperson for NTA, said that all proposals from the ISPs will be evaluated before awarding the contract. Out of the four interested ISPs, Vianet has sent a proposal for Rs 2.15 million which is the lowest among the four ISPs. WorldLink has proposed the project at Rs 2.5 million, BroadLink at Rs 8.7 million and Subisu at Rs 7.3 million.

NTA had expected the project to cost to be around Rs 9.5 million. However, all the ISPs have submitted the proposals at a much lower cost. NTA had said that the lowest bidding proposal would be awarded the contract. Aryal said, “As Vianet is the lowest bidder, it might get the award following the technical evaluation of its proposal.”

About the Contract

If selected, the ISP will have to provide internet in the selected places in two months of getting the contract. The ISP will have to provide internet for free for two years and then can start charging a minimal amount for the service.