Kathmandu, October 14: Fourteen internet service providers have been penalised for failing to operate internet packages as approved and for not making their packages public. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), the sector’s regulatory body, took action against the providers following a recent investigation.
According to the Authority, the companies penalised are Broadlink Network and Communication Pvt. Ltd., Classic Tech Pvt. Ltd., Websurfer Nepal Communication System Pvt. Ltd., Fiber World Communication Pvt. Ltd., Vianet Communications Ltd., Aeronet Pvt. Ltd., Dish Media Network Ltd., WiFi Nepal Pvt. Ltd., CG Communications Ltd., WorldLink Communications Ltd., First Link Communication Pvt. Ltd., Pokhara Internet Pvt. Ltd., Techminds Network Ltd. and Subisu Ltd.
The Authority said each company had been fined Rs. 50,000 under the Telecommunications Act.
According to NTA spokesperson Min Prasad Aryal, the fines were imposed based on the findings of a committee formed to inspect and investigate complaints that internet service providers had discontinued cheaper packages.
During the investigation, the committee found that providers had failed to deliver services in accordance with the packages approved by the Authority, charged customers more than the prescribed rates, created and sold packages different from those approved, and failed to inform customers about such packages within the stipulated timeframe, Aryal said.
He added that action had been taken under the Telecommunications Act because failing to provide internet services at the approved speeds and under the approved packages, as well as charging rates higher than those authorised, violated consumer interests.
The Authority has also instructed service providers to publish their approved tariffs on their websites.
Spokesperson Aryal said the Authority had directed providers to immediately discontinue internet service packages and charges introduced without approval and to inform the Authority accordingly. He added that if customers had suffered losses or damages as a result, the providers had also been instructed to pay compensation or reimburse the losses upon the affected customers’ claims.
According to the Authority, service providers are required under the tariff-setting guidelines to submit proposed rates for approval at least three months before their implementation, clearly specifying the proposed tariffs and the date they are to take effect. The investigation found that some providers had failed to comply with this requirement.
The Authority has also warned all licensed telecommunications service providers that they must obtain approval before introducing any service package or tariff and must not operate any package without prior authorisation.
It has urged customers to lodge complaints with the Authority if they find that a provider has charged more than the approved rates or operated services illegally in violation of consumer rights and interests.
The Internet Service Providers’ Association of Nepal (ISPAN), an umbrella organisation of internet service providers, recently issued a press statement announcing that packages offering speeds below 50 Mbps would be discontinued, citing rising costs due to national and international circumstances.
The announcement directly affected low-income households and students in particular after the cheaper packages were withdrawn. Following widespread public criticism of the decision, the Authority launched an investigation. The fines imposed on the service providers were the result of that investigation.
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