PAC Seeks Information from NTA Regarding Ncell’s 4G Services

After it came into view that Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) allowed Ncell to offer fourth generation (4G) services, Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Legislature-Parliament has sought information from NTA regarding this matter.

“We learned about Ncell’s 4G service through the media. Hence, we have formally asked the NTA to inform us about the development,” said PAC Secretary Surendra. “If Ncell has been allowed to extend the service, we have asked the NTA to clarify the basis on which the decision was taken.”

In January, PAC had directed the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) and the NTA not to allow Ncell to introduce 4G and other services until its capital gains tax issue is resolved. The house committee has asked the NTA to respond by Sunday.

The Development Committee of Parliament had recently directed the government not to bar Ncell from rolling out 4G service, stating that it is against the right of the general consumers to use modern technology. Based on this directive, the telecom sector regulator gave the nod to Ncell to extend its service. But PAC sticks to its view that service providers need to obtain tax clearance certificate before obtaining government approval to extend service. This move by the Development Committee has reignited the discussion regarding jurisdiction of different house committees.

Edited by – Awale Sushil