KATHMANDU, AUG 30 -The government has been working to form a Railway Board, an autonomous body to develop the country’s railway sector. This will be the sole body to look after all the affairs related to railway s, and the existing entities including the Department of Railway and Nepal Railway Company will be dissolved.
The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) has sent a draft railway regulation to the Ministry of Law and Justices for its approval. The regulation has emphasized the development of the sector through public private partnership and the private sector alone.
The regulation, based on the new Railway Act which was endorsed by President Ram Baran Yadav through an ordinance four months ago, has envisioned creating a separate autonomous body to construct and manage railway services.The Railway Act deals with the overall development of the sector while the old Railway Act 1963 was only concerned with operating Nepal Railway Company that operates Janakpur Railway.
Aug 30, 2013
Aug 29, 2013
Regulation to control spam SMS, emails likely next year
KATHMANDU, AUG 29 -The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has initiated a process to devise a regulation aimed at checking spam SMS and emails, and it will be implemented from next fiscal year, the authority has said.
In response to a growing customer complaints of receiving unwanted SMSs, the authority had recently discussed with the telecom operators—Ncell and Nepal Telecom—on eliminating the problem of such text messages over their networks. NTA officials said they were studying international practices, gathering information about possible solutions and vendors and discussing with licencees to formulate the regulation. A few days ago, the NTA and telecom companies had also discussed with an Indian vendor—Tele DNA on issues of spam messages and solutions.
“It’s a high time that we enforced a strict regulation at the earliest to discourage spam SMS to safeguard customers,” said Ananda Raj Khanal, director at the NTA. He, however, said despite showing urgency, the work has not move effectively as the NTA had no active full board.
In recent months, there have been complaints from mobile users of receiving unwanted SMS, with some of the customers even reporting to have been cheated through such messages. Mobile users have been getting a slew unwanted requests such as likes on a Facebook page, advertisement of international websites, product promotion SMS and lottery prizes.
In response to a growing customer complaints of receiving unwanted SMSs, the authority had recently discussed with the telecom operators—Ncell and Nepal Telecom—on eliminating the problem of such text messages over their networks. NTA officials said they were studying international practices, gathering information about possible solutions and vendors and discussing with licencees to formulate the regulation. A few days ago, the NTA and telecom companies had also discussed with an Indian vendor—Tele DNA on issues of spam messages and solutions.
“It’s a high time that we enforced a strict regulation at the earliest to discourage spam SMS to safeguard customers,” said Ananda Raj Khanal, director at the NTA. He, however, said despite showing urgency, the work has not move effectively as the NTA had no active full board.
In recent months, there have been complaints from mobile users of receiving unwanted SMS, with some of the customers even reporting to have been cheated through such messages. Mobile users have been getting a slew unwanted requests such as likes on a Facebook page, advertisement of international websites, product promotion SMS and lottery prizes.
Gold hits all-time high of Rs 63,300 per tola
KATHMANDU, AUG 29 -Gold hit an all-time high of Rs 63,300 per tola (11.664 gm) on Wednesday with the Nepali rupee continuing to dive and world prices in takeoff mode. The yellow metal, which has been on a gradual upward trend in the past month, jumped Rs 3,400 per tola overnight.
Gold traded at Rs 59,900 per tola on Tuesday in the local market. On Nov 4 last year, the precious metal reached Rs 61,850 per tola setting a new record on the strength of international gains and devaluation of the Nepali rupee.
The latest price rise has been attributed to the continuing plunge of the Nepali rupee to Rs 105.31 against the US dollar. Further, the increment in gold prices in the global market by over US$ 25 per ounce has pushed up local prices. Daily sales have dropped with the yellow metal becoming pricier, said traders.
Manik Ratna Shakya, former general secretary of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association (Fenegosida), said that the Nepali rupee had been going downhill even as global gold prices increased by leaps and bounds. “Wednesday’s rise was unexpected, and it has hit local customers just ahead of the festive season when consumption goes up,” he added.
Gold traded at Rs 59,900 per tola on Tuesday in the local market. On Nov 4 last year, the precious metal reached Rs 61,850 per tola setting a new record on the strength of international gains and devaluation of the Nepali rupee.
The latest price rise has been attributed to the continuing plunge of the Nepali rupee to Rs 105.31 against the US dollar. Further, the increment in gold prices in the global market by over US$ 25 per ounce has pushed up local prices. Daily sales have dropped with the yellow metal becoming pricier, said traders.
Manik Ratna Shakya, former general secretary of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association (Fenegosida), said that the Nepali rupee had been going downhill even as global gold prices increased by leaps and bounds. “Wednesday’s rise was unexpected, and it has hit local customers just ahead of the festive season when consumption goes up,” he added.
Aug 28, 2013
3,000 km new track opened in three years
KATHMANDU, AUG 28 -The country saw opening of 3,000 km of new road s (dirt road ) in the last three fiscal years (2010-11 to 2012-13). This has taken the total length of strategic and central level road network to 25,241 km.
After the construction of 852 fresh road s in last fiscal year, the government exceeded the target (1,493 km) set for Three Year Interim Plan (2010-11 to 2012-13).However, the government could not achieve the target in other categories such as road upgradation, reconstruction, bridge construction and connecting four districts headquarters with road .
The total length of blacktopped, gravel and dirt road s reached 10,689 km, 5,930 km and 8,622 km, respectively, at the end of the last fiscal year, according to the Department of Roads. The department’s statistics presented at the annual review meeting held at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) on Tuesday show the government is yet to take road connection to Dunai of Dolpa and Simikot of Jumla.
As per the target of the three year plan, the road network reached to Ghamgadhi of Mugu in 2012-13and to Chhame of Manang in 2011-12, according to the MoPIT. Under rehabilitation/re-construction/upgradation categories, the government completed work on 2,006 km out of the targeted 3,752 km. Under the bridge segment, 167 bridges out of the targeted 200 were built. In the last fiscal year, the government built 74 new bridges.
After the construction of 852 fresh road s in last fiscal year, the government exceeded the target (1,493 km) set for Three Year Interim Plan (2010-11 to 2012-13).However, the government could not achieve the target in other categories such as road upgradation, reconstruction, bridge construction and connecting four districts headquarters with road .
The total length of blacktopped, gravel and dirt road s reached 10,689 km, 5,930 km and 8,622 km, respectively, at the end of the last fiscal year, according to the Department of Roads. The department’s statistics presented at the annual review meeting held at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) on Tuesday show the government is yet to take road connection to Dunai of Dolpa and Simikot of Jumla.
As per the target of the three year plan, the road network reached to Ghamgadhi of Mugu in 2012-13and to Chhame of Manang in 2011-12, according to the MoPIT. Under rehabilitation/re-construction/upgradation categories, the government completed work on 2,006 km out of the targeted 3,752 km. Under the bridge segment, 167 bridges out of the targeted 200 were built. In the last fiscal year, the government built 74 new bridges.
Aug 27, 2013
Duty on gold to be hiked to match prices in India
The move is expected to curb smuggling of yellow metal to India due to price differences
KATHMANDU, AUG 27 -The government has planned to hike the import duty on gold in a bid to curb possible smuggling to India due to higher prices there. “We are working on a proposal to jack up the duty which we will send to the cabinet this week,” said Rajan Khanal, joint secretary at the Finance Ministry.
Nepali gold traders have been urging the government to raise the import duty from Rs 4,400 to Rs 5,000 per 10 gm after India increased the duty to 10 percent on Aug 13.
“We will propose a tariff which will keep our prices slightly higher than in India,” said Khanal. India has fixed the customs duty at Rs 4,480 per 10 gm. Nepal increased the customs duty from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,600 per 10 gm through the budget for the current fiscal year unveiled last month. The difference in import taxes between Nepal and India has made gold cheaper in Nepal by Rs 880 per 10 gm.
KATHMANDU, AUG 27 -The government has planned to hike the import duty on gold in a bid to curb possible smuggling to India due to higher prices there. “We are working on a proposal to jack up the duty which we will send to the cabinet this week,” said Rajan Khanal, joint secretary at the Finance Ministry.
Nepali gold traders have been urging the government to raise the import duty from Rs 4,400 to Rs 5,000 per 10 gm after India increased the duty to 10 percent on Aug 13.
“We will propose a tariff which will keep our prices slightly higher than in India,” said Khanal. India has fixed the customs duty at Rs 4,480 per 10 gm. Nepal increased the customs duty from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,600 per 10 gm through the budget for the current fiscal year unveiled last month. The difference in import taxes between Nepal and India has made gold cheaper in Nepal by Rs 880 per 10 gm.
Aug 26, 2013
Internet penetration reaches 26.1 percent
KATHMANDU, AUG 26 -The country has witnessed significant growth in internet services in last five years. At the end of the last fiscal year (mid-July), data penetration reached 26.10 percent with total subscriber base touching 6.91 million.
Till July 2008, internet service was available only to 515,592 subscribers and a majority of them relied on slow data services like dial-up and GPRS, according to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) data. Now, there are multiple choices for consumers for high speed data services that include high speed wireless 3G, new technology based WiMax and cable internet at competitive price.
In fiscal year 2010-11, telecom companies and internet service providers (ISPs) added 1.7 million new data customers — up from 844,213 in the previous year. Ananda Raj Khanal, director at NTA, said the expansion of data-enabled GSM mobile service was the main driving force for the growth. “With demand for mobile data growing, operators having only voice service will find it hard to exist in coming days,” he said.
Availability of cheaper smartphones, decline in bandwidth price internationally, increased attraction towards social media and competition among operators have pushed up the market of wireless mobile internet , according to NTA officials.Of the 6.91 million internet subscribers, around 6 million surf data through their mobile handsets.
Till July 2008, internet service was available only to 515,592 subscribers and a majority of them relied on slow data services like dial-up and GPRS, according to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) data. Now, there are multiple choices for consumers for high speed data services that include high speed wireless 3G, new technology based WiMax and cable internet at competitive price.
In fiscal year 2010-11, telecom companies and internet service providers (ISPs) added 1.7 million new data customers — up from 844,213 in the previous year. Ananda Raj Khanal, director at NTA, said the expansion of data-enabled GSM mobile service was the main driving force for the growth. “With demand for mobile data growing, operators having only voice service will find it hard to exist in coming days,” he said.
Availability of cheaper smartphones, decline in bandwidth price internationally, increased attraction towards social media and competition among operators have pushed up the market of wireless mobile internet , according to NTA officials.Of the 6.91 million internet subscribers, around 6 million surf data through their mobile handsets.
Aug 23, 2013
Gold price hits six-month high
KATHMANDU,, AUG 23 -Gold price hit its six-month high of Rs 58,500 per tola (11.664 gm) on Thursday, posting an overnight price rise of Rs 1,200.
Although there has not been a significant rise in gold price in the international market, the price of the yellow metal has surged by Rs 4,000 per tola in Nepal over the last one week. The surge in gold price has hit consumers planning to purchase gold amid nearing festive season hard.
Gold dealers have attributed the hike in the bullion price to the depreciation of the Nepali rupees against the US dollar. The exchange rate, which was at Rs 98.60 per dollar on Aug 15, reached Rs 101.47 on Thursday. The Nepal Rastra Bank has set the exchange rate at Rs 103.60 per dollar for Friday and traders forecast a further rise in gold price.
“This is one of the best trading seasons, prior to festivals, but customers will be hit hard with the increasing price,” said Manik Ratna Shakya, general secretary of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Associations (Fenegosida). He said factors such as low supply and less customs duty compared to that of India have raised the risk of gold smuggling to India, creating a shortage here.
Although there has not been a significant rise in gold price in the international market, the price of the yellow metal has surged by Rs 4,000 per tola in Nepal over the last one week. The surge in gold price has hit consumers planning to purchase gold amid nearing festive season hard.
Gold dealers have attributed the hike in the bullion price to the depreciation of the Nepali rupees against the US dollar. The exchange rate, which was at Rs 98.60 per dollar on Aug 15, reached Rs 101.47 on Thursday. The Nepal Rastra Bank has set the exchange rate at Rs 103.60 per dollar for Friday and traders forecast a further rise in gold price.
“This is one of the best trading seasons, prior to festivals, but customers will be hit hard with the increasing price,” said Manik Ratna Shakya, general secretary of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Associations (Fenegosida). He said factors such as low supply and less customs duty compared to that of India have raised the risk of gold smuggling to India, creating a shortage here.
Aug 22, 2013
Telcos’ subscriber growth rate hits three-year low
KATHMANDU, AUG 22 -Telecom companies’ subscriber growth rate hits a three-year low in last fiscal year that witnessed just 23.38 percent rise in the total customer base as against 31.3 percent growth in 2011-12.
Six telecom companies roped in 4.03 million new customers in the last fiscal year. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) statistics show telecom companies had added 4.11 million users in 2011-12.
NTA officials blamed several factors, including market saturation, delay in implementation of big projects by Nepal Telecom (NT) and operators’ reluctance to expand their services to rural areas, for the decline in the subscribers’ growth.
“There is heavy growth in service operation in urban areas but such service has not been expanded in rural areas as expected,” said Ananda Raj Khanal, director at the NTA. He added that the market would see good growth in rural areas in the coming years with more players coming into GSM segment.
Six telecom companies roped in 4.03 million new customers in the last fiscal year. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) statistics show telecom companies had added 4.11 million users in 2011-12.
NTA officials blamed several factors, including market saturation, delay in implementation of big projects by Nepal Telecom (NT) and operators’ reluctance to expand their services to rural areas, for the decline in the subscribers’ growth.
“There is heavy growth in service operation in urban areas but such service has not been expanded in rural areas as expected,” said Ananda Raj Khanal, director at the NTA. He added that the market would see good growth in rural areas in the coming years with more players coming into GSM segment.
Aug 21, 2013
SC issues show cause notice to govt
KATHMANDU, AUG 21 -The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a show cause notice to the government in two cases filed against the penalty provision in the fees for the Rural Telecommunications Development Fund (RTDF).
The provision allows the government to impose a 25-200 percent fine on its licencees, including telecom operators and internet service providers (ISPs), for late submission of the fee. The dispute over the penalty provision between the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) and its licencees has been continuing for last one year.
After Ncell filed a case seeking the cancellation of the provision some eight months ago, United Telecom Limited (UTL) and Subisu Cable Net, one of the largest ISPs of the country, also filed separate cases in the court last week seeking an interim stay order.
Responding to the cases filed by UTL and Subisu, a single bench of justice Kalyan Shrestha on Monday issued the show cause notice to the Prime Minister’s Office and the NTA asking them to furnish reasons for implementing the provision.
The provision allows the government to impose a 25-200 percent fine on its licencees, including telecom operators and internet service providers (ISPs), for late submission of the fee. The dispute over the penalty provision between the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) and its licencees has been continuing for last one year.
After Ncell filed a case seeking the cancellation of the provision some eight months ago, United Telecom Limited (UTL) and Subisu Cable Net, one of the largest ISPs of the country, also filed separate cases in the court last week seeking an interim stay order.
Responding to the cases filed by UTL and Subisu, a single bench of justice Kalyan Shrestha on Monday issued the show cause notice to the Prime Minister’s Office and the NTA asking them to furnish reasons for implementing the provision.
Aug 20, 2013
Electronic bidding system launched
KATHMANDU, AUG 20 -The government on Monday formally launched a centralised electronic bidding system for procurement of goods and services. The much-awaited national portal for e-procurement is targeted at increasing transparency and non-discrimination and creating healthy competition among bidders.
Chairman of the Council of Ministers Khil Raj Regmi inaugurated the system amid a function organised to mark the seventh anniversary of the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PMMO). “The system will play a vital role in making procurement transparent and competitive,” said Dhan Bahadur Tamang, secretary of the PMMO. He added that initially e-procurement would be implemented for procurement of goods and consulting services.
With the adoption of the central e-bidding system, the government plans to gradually phase out the existing bidding procedure used by different government agencies. Under the central e-procurement system, all the national and international level procurements of the government will take place through a single online platform.
Chairman of the Council of Ministers Khil Raj Regmi inaugurated the system amid a function organised to mark the seventh anniversary of the Public Procurement Monitoring Office (PMMO). “The system will play a vital role in making procurement transparent and competitive,” said Dhan Bahadur Tamang, secretary of the PMMO. He added that initially e-procurement would be implemented for procurement of goods and consulting services.
With the adoption of the central e-bidding system, the government plans to gradually phase out the existing bidding procedure used by different government agencies. Under the central e-procurement system, all the national and international level procurements of the government will take place through a single online platform.
Govt preparing to set up fair price shops during festive season
KATHMANDU, AUG 20 -With the festival season around the corner, the government has started preparations to set up temporary fair price shops to sell daily essential goods at subsidised rates.
The Ministry of Commerce and Supplies has sought Rs 32.9 million from the Finance Ministry for the operation of the shops in and outside the Kathmandu valley.
The shops of to be operated by three public enterprises (PEs)—National Trading Ltd (NTL), Salt Trading Corporation (STC), Nepal Food Corporation (NFC)—will sell daily essential goods like rice, sugar, salt and edible oil at discounted rates.
This year, the government plans to set up over 20 fair price shops across the country. The amount sought by the Commerce Ministry will be provided to the PEs for the operation of the shops. Commerce Ministry officials said the fund was demanded based on the subsidy provided by the government entities provided to consumers during last year’s festive season.
The Ministry of Commerce and Supplies has sought Rs 32.9 million from the Finance Ministry for the operation of the shops in and outside the Kathmandu valley.
The shops of to be operated by three public enterprises (PEs)—National Trading Ltd (NTL), Salt Trading Corporation (STC), Nepal Food Corporation (NFC)—will sell daily essential goods like rice, sugar, salt and edible oil at discounted rates.
This year, the government plans to set up over 20 fair price shops across the country. The amount sought by the Commerce Ministry will be provided to the PEs for the operation of the shops. Commerce Ministry officials said the fund was demanded based on the subsidy provided by the government entities provided to consumers during last year’s festive season.
Aug 19, 2013
Engineer faces departmental action for segregating project
KATHMANDU, AUG 19 -The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) is preparing to take departmental action against senior divisional engineer Umesh Shrestha for violating the ministry ’s directives.
Shrestha has been found to have awarded contracts without inviting tender to user groups and other contractors by segregating a project into regional raods, tourist roads and roads linking business centres when he was the chief of the Division Road Office, Kaski, last year, according to two senior ministry officials. “We have sought permission from the Public Service Commission to initiate departmental action,” said one of the officials.
The ministry has banned segregating a project into small packages, except for emergency cases for the last two years.The second ministry official said Shrestha assigned contracts worth over Rs 50 million to users’ groups against the policy of the ministry and Department of Roads. “While auditing five offices under the ministry , Division Road Office, Pokhara, was found violating the policy,” the official said.
He said no “harsh” action would be taken against Shrestha, but a “letter of reprimand” could be issued as it would be the first action taken for awarding contract by segregating a project. This action, if implemented, will bar him from getting promotion for at least a year. In worst cases of irregularities, the government authorities concerned can even expel their officials from the service. If an employee is not satisfied with the action taking against him/her, s/he can appeal to the administrative tribunal.
Shrestha has been found to have awarded contracts without inviting tender to user groups and other contractors by segregating a project into regional raods, tourist roads and roads linking business centres when he was the chief of the Division Road Office, Kaski, last year, according to two senior ministry officials. “We have sought permission from the Public Service Commission to initiate departmental action,” said one of the officials.
The ministry has banned segregating a project into small packages, except for emergency cases for the last two years.The second ministry official said Shrestha assigned contracts worth over Rs 50 million to users’ groups against the policy of the ministry and Department of Roads. “While auditing five offices under the ministry , Division Road Office, Pokhara, was found violating the policy,” the official said.
He said no “harsh” action would be taken against Shrestha, but a “letter of reprimand” could be issued as it would be the first action taken for awarding contract by segregating a project. This action, if implemented, will bar him from getting promotion for at least a year. In worst cases of irregularities, the government authorities concerned can even expel their officials from the service. If an employee is not satisfied with the action taking against him/her, s/he can appeal to the administrative tribunal.
Five ISPs face licence cancellation
KATHMANDU, AUG 19 -The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is all set to scarp licence s of five internet service providers (ISPs) that have failed to operate service and remained out of contact.
The ISPs facing the action are Neptell Global and four rural ISPs — Mandabi Multipurpose Society Development Centre, Samajik Nyayakalagi Sanchar Abhiyan, Pratidhwani Media and Namchhe Network.
As pee the NTA provision, licence es have to submit financial reports annually declaring their income. Based on the report, the ISPs are required contribute 2 percent of their annual income to the Rural Telecommunications Development Fund and 4 percent as royalty to the government.
Santosh Paudel, deputy director at NTA, said they are facing problems in contacting the ISPs. “Even if we dispatch letters, they come back to us saying the address is not found,” he said.
The ISPs facing the action are Neptell Global and four rural ISPs — Mandabi Multipurpose Society Development Centre, Samajik Nyayakalagi Sanchar Abhiyan, Pratidhwani Media and Namchhe Network.
As pee the NTA provision, licence es have to submit financial reports annually declaring their income. Based on the report, the ISPs are required contribute 2 percent of their annual income to the Rural Telecommunications Development Fund and 4 percent as royalty to the government.
Santosh Paudel, deputy director at NTA, said they are facing problems in contacting the ISPs. “Even if we dispatch letters, they come back to us saying the address is not found,” he said.
Aug 18, 2013
National pride projects allocated Rs 20.98b
KATHMANDU, AUG 18 -The government has allocated Rs 20.98 billion for national pride projects for the current fiscal year. The resources will be spent for 16 big infrastructure projects ranging from road, hydropower, irrigation, railway to drinking water.
In terms of the budget size, Melamchi Drinking Water Project (MDWP) has received the largest budget of Rs 5.24 billion—up 107 percent compared to Rs 2.53 billion allocated in 2012-13.
Other three projects getting biggest resources are Postal Highway, Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project and South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Project (SATDP). Sixteen projects receiving budget under 19 budget sub-heads this year do not include projects such as Second International Airport at Nijgarh and West Seti Hydropower Project s that are under the purview of Investment Board of Nepal.
So far, the government has named 21 projects as national pride projects. The budget for this fiscal year had added four projects—Pashupati Area Development Trust, Lumbini Development Trust, President Chure Conservation Programme, and Bheri-Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project —on the list of national pride projects. These four projects have been allocated Rs 1.20b for this fiscal year.
In terms of the budget size, Melamchi Drinking Water Project (MDWP) has received the largest budget of Rs 5.24 billion—up 107 percent compared to Rs 2.53 billion allocated in 2012-13.
Other three projects getting biggest resources are Postal Highway, Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project and South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Project (SATDP). Sixteen projects receiving budget under 19 budget sub-heads this year do not include projects such as Second International Airport at Nijgarh and West Seti Hydropower Project s that are under the purview of Investment Board of Nepal.
So far, the government has named 21 projects as national pride projects. The budget for this fiscal year had added four projects—Pashupati Area Development Trust, Lumbini Development Trust, President Chure Conservation Programme, and Bheri-Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project —on the list of national pride projects. These four projects have been allocated Rs 1.20b for this fiscal year.
Aug 15, 2013
Construction of tunnel road to start after end of monsoon
KATHMANDU, AUG 15 -Nepal Purwadhar Bikas Company (NPBC) has said that it will start the civil work of the Kathmandu-Hetauda Tunnel Highway immediately after the rainy season. The company which was set up to build the much talked about tunnel highway is currently busy putting together the necessary equipment and other resources.
NPBC received the government’s go-ahead about three months ago, however, it is yet to begin work on the tunnel project. “We are preparing to start construction as soon as the weather turns favourable,” said Kush Kumar Joshi, president of NPBC, addressing an interaction programme on Wednesday.
Joshi added that they were busy carrying out campaigns to attract investment in the project and buying equipment required for the construction . The 58-km highway project, estimated to cost around Rs 35 billion, will link the capital with the southern industrial city of Hetauda. The expressway will cut travel time to one hour. It is the biggest road project that the private sector is developing under the build-operate-own-transfer (BOOT) modality.
NPBC received the government’s go-ahead about three months ago, however, it is yet to begin work on the tunnel project. “We are preparing to start construction as soon as the weather turns favourable,” said Kush Kumar Joshi, president of NPBC, addressing an interaction programme on Wednesday.
Joshi added that they were busy carrying out campaigns to attract investment in the project and buying equipment required for the construction . The 58-km highway project, estimated to cost around Rs 35 billion, will link the capital with the southern industrial city of Hetauda. The expressway will cut travel time to one hour. It is the biggest road project that the private sector is developing under the build-operate-own-transfer (BOOT) modality.
Aug 14, 2013
Telcos face fines up to Rs 3.5m for bad service
KATHMANDU, AUG 14 -The International Telecomm-unication Union (ITU) has recommended that Nepal create a separate rule to ensure the quality of service (QoS) of mobile and fixed line services. It has also suggested imposing fines of up to Rs 3.5 million on service providers for failure to provide quality service.
The ITU has studied the Nepali market and regulatory weaknesses to prepare a draft regulation as part of its technical support to Nepal. The draft Fixed and Mobile QoS Regulations 2013 is being studied by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to collect feedback and give it final shape.
The NTA is planning to send the draft to the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) to seek the Cabinet’s approval after incorporating suggestions from service providers, other stakeholders and experts. So far, the NTA has been carrying out QoS monitoring and enforcement on the basis of the QoS Parameters prepared by the authority itself in 2007.
The ITU has studied the Nepali market and regulatory weaknesses to prepare a draft regulation as part of its technical support to Nepal. The draft Fixed and Mobile QoS Regulations 2013 is being studied by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to collect feedback and give it final shape.
The NTA is planning to send the draft to the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) to seek the Cabinet’s approval after incorporating suggestions from service providers, other stakeholders and experts. So far, the NTA has been carrying out QoS monitoring and enforcement on the basis of the QoS Parameters prepared by the authority itself in 2007.
Aug 13, 2013
Promote power of broadband and win prizes
KATHMANDU, AUG 13--The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are jointly organising a contest to promote the power of broadband service. The contest invites submission of video clips 3-5 minutes about the positive impact of broadband in society.
The objective of the contest called “Connecting at the Roots” is to raise awareness about the importance of broadband and how it can be harnessed to transform lives and society, at both national and international levels as well as to share experiences and practicality of the use of broadband. The clips must be about the true stories reflecting positive impact on individuals, groups of people and/or society.
The last date for submission of the entries is 15 Sept 2013. As per the ITU notice, winners will be announced at the ITU Connect Asia-Pacific Summit on 18 Nov 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. Submissions are invited from the Asia-Pacific region either by way of an individual or group submission (e.g. from a group of people or an organization from ITU Member States and/or Sector Members).
Aug 11, 2013
Spam texts flood inboxes of mobile users
KATHMANDU, AUG 11 -Last week, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) received a complaint about an unsolicited SMS of a movie clip.“I’ve got something to show you,” read another SMS circulated recently among Nepal Telecom (NT) mobile users that contained a link of a website that claimed to offer video message service.
These are some of the examples of unwanted messages, or SMS spam, being sent to mobile users. From requests to like a Facebook page, advertisement of international websites to marketing SMSs, mobile users’ inboxes are flooded with spam messages these days. However, the NTA has failed to regulate SMS spam effectively.
Generally, telecom companies and third-party value added service (VAS) providers having agreement on short-code with operators send SMS to mobile users. Messages sent by telecom companies and/or VAS providers which customers didn’t agree to receive while subscribing to the service, and messages that are not about similar products or services offered by telecom companies are considered spam.
These are some of the examples of unwanted messages, or SMS spam, being sent to mobile users. From requests to like a Facebook page, advertisement of international websites to marketing SMSs, mobile users’ inboxes are flooded with spam messages these days. However, the NTA has failed to regulate SMS spam effectively.
Generally, telecom companies and third-party value added service (VAS) providers having agreement on short-code with operators send SMS to mobile users. Messages sent by telecom companies and/or VAS providers which customers didn’t agree to receive while subscribing to the service, and messages that are not about similar products or services offered by telecom companies are considered spam.
Aug 10, 2013
Kathmandu-tarai fast track : Bidders demand minimum traffic guarantee
KATHMANDU, AUG 10 -With the deadline for submitting the request for proposal (RFP) nearing, two Indian firms shortlisted for the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track have demanded the government guarantee a minimum traffic volume on the proposed expressway.
Reliance Infrastructure, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) and Larsen and Turbo (L&T) Infrastructure Development Projects are currently in race for the 76-km highway project contract. The three Indian firms have been given until September 21, 2013, to submit the RFP for building the road under the build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) modality. Among the three, IL&FS and L&T have made the aforementioned demand.
Officials at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) say they are positive on the concern expressed by the Indian firms. “We are positive on fixing the minimum traffic threshold. But we have also asked the firms to submit their complete proposals first,” said Tulasi Prasad Sitaula, secretary at the ministry.
The demand for minimum traffic guarantee came as the firms feared a decline in traffic due to possible protests and road blockades, and the development of the Kathmandu-Hetauda Tunnel Highway, according to the ministry officials. The tunnel highway is being developed parallel to the Fast Track.
Reliance Infrastructure, Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) and Larsen and Turbo (L&T) Infrastructure Development Projects are currently in race for the 76-km highway project contract. The three Indian firms have been given until September 21, 2013, to submit the RFP for building the road under the build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) modality. Among the three, IL&FS and L&T have made the aforementioned demand.
Officials at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) say they are positive on the concern expressed by the Indian firms. “We are positive on fixing the minimum traffic threshold. But we have also asked the firms to submit their complete proposals first,” said Tulasi Prasad Sitaula, secretary at the ministry.
The demand for minimum traffic guarantee came as the firms feared a decline in traffic due to possible protests and road blockades, and the development of the Kathmandu-Hetauda Tunnel Highway, according to the ministry officials. The tunnel highway is being developed parallel to the Fast Track.
Police bust software piracy racket
KATHMANDU, AUG 10 -The police have busted a racket producing software using stolen source code in what would be the first-of-its-kind action against intellectual property theft.
As per the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the group had been developing software by revising the original code and selling the programme to domestic financial institutions. This is the first time the CIB has arrested people for stealing the source code, revising it and producing software similar to the original.
ACM Info Tech Nepal, Netlink IT Solution and College of IT Sansar were found to be involved in producing software developed using stolen source code, said the CIB.
The CIB’s investigation has revealed that ACM Info Tech had been selling the COMAN software that was created by modifying the source code of FINSYS software originally developed by Info Developers. Info Developers had developed the FINSYS software for domestic banking institutions and cooperatives.
Among those arrested are Palas Kumar Ghosh, Praman Raj Shakya of ACM Info Tech, Sunil Pote Shrestha of Netlink IT Solutions, and Saroj Suwal of College of IT Sansar.
Aug 6, 2013
NTA bans WHO mobile VAS
On Tuesday, the
NTA directed four telecom companies—Ncell, Nepal
It enables
customer sending SMS in 6622 typing “who” space “mobile no” to find the name of
the mobile owner.
“Since the
service distributes the personal information to SMS sender, it is against the
personal freedom and create security threat,” said Arjun Ghimire, deputy
director of the NTA. He added that the service provider had not taken the
permission of the NTA for the service and tariffs to be charged. The service
charges Rs 2 excluding tax from the customers per SMS.
THT Live had
promoted the VAS service stating that customers using mobile service of Ncell , NT
Record auto registration in FY 2012-13
Earlier, in 2009-10, vehicle registration
had touched 201,787 units. The registration had declined in 2010-11 after the
hike in excise duty and auto loan by bank and financial institutions. As per
the department officials, the sales started to pick up slowly from 2011-12
after one year gap of slowdown in auto market.
The department officials and automobile
dealers attribute the record registration to the increased bank financing
facilities, lower interest rate, growth in sales of mainly two wheelers,
increased buying capacity of customers, remittance inflow and rebound in
housing business. All segments of vehicles have witnessed growth in
registration in the last fiscal year.
With growth in all segments of vehicles,
the registration went up by 22 percent compared to 170,084 units of the
previous fiscal 2011-12. The department record shows that a total of 9,595
passenger cars have been registered by the government during last year, the
number is up by 10 percent compared to 8,711 units previous year
Govt hires consultants for feasibility study to reduce the length of Mid-Hill Highway
KATHMANDU, AUG 04 - A feasibility study will be done to examine the possibility of reducing the 1,776-km length of the proposed Mid-Hill Highway by changing the alignment and building tunnels. The Department of Roads has signed a contract with two consultants to conduct the survey.
The two consultants, Integrated Developments and Research Services (IDRS) and Beam Consultant, will prepare a feasibility report identifying the locations where the highway can be shortened within 70 weeks. IDRS has been assigned the task of studying the portion east of Pokhara while Beam will study the section to its west.
From the existing 1,776-km length, the government is planning to bring it down to around 1,400-km to save travel time and reduce vehicle operating costs and the construction bill. Department officials said that the two consultants would start their work immediately after the rainy season ends.
Beside the feasibility study, black topping, gravelling and bridge construction works over selected sections of the highway will be carried out during the current fiscal year, according to Tulasi Prasad Sitaula, secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. “Black topping for this year is planned only for those sections which could not be removed from the highway,” he added.
The two consultants, Integrated Developments and Research Services (IDRS) and Beam Consultant, will prepare a feasibility report identifying the locations where the highway can be shortened within 70 weeks. IDRS has been assigned the task of studying the portion east of Pokhara while Beam will study the section to its west.
From the existing 1,776-km length, the government is planning to bring it down to around 1,400-km to save travel time and reduce vehicle operating costs and the construction bill. Department officials said that the two consultants would start their work immediately after the rainy season ends.
Beside the feasibility study, black topping, gravelling and bridge construction works over selected sections of the highway will be carried out during the current fiscal year, according to Tulasi Prasad Sitaula, secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. “Black topping for this year is planned only for those sections which could not be removed from the highway,” he added.
Aug 3, 2013
Govt. plans feasibility study for placing satellite
ITU, the UN body for information and
communication technologies has made it mandatory for Nepal Nepal
A five member committee lead by Narayan
Sanjel, joint secretary at the Communications Ministry is carrying out study
regarding the method and work place for the feasibility study hiring a
consultant. The budget for the current fiscal year 2013-14 has also announced
to conduct the study to set up own satellite in the space. The budget has not
talked about the resource required for the study, however; it is estimated that
the study would require around Rs 100 million.
The feasibility study would determine the
investment required, business model for commercial purpose and report its
importance for enhancing broadcasting, national defence, telecommunications
sector and weather forecasting among others. Even as the ITU allocated orbital
slot to Nepal
Aug 1, 2013
Nepal spent Rs 3.7b on bandwidth last year
KATHMANDU, AUG 01 -Nepal’s telecom companies and internet service providers (ISPs) paid Rs 3.76 billion to international carriers in bandwidth fees to access the internet in the last fiscal year. With the number of internet users soaring, service providers have been paying more for bandwidth even as services charges have been dropping due to fierce competition.
According to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), its licensees paid Rs 2.58 billion as bandwidth charges during the previous fiscal 2011-12.
The NTA recommends to the Ministry of Information and Communications that foreign exchange facility be issued to its licensees to pay bandwidth charges. Following the ministry’s okay, telecom companies and ISPs get foreign exchange from Nepal Rastra Bank to pay their international suppliers.
NTA Director Ananda Raj Khanal said that bandwidth costs had been swelling due to a heavy growth in internet users and access to international content. “Bandwidth charges increase in line with the growth in the number of internet users,” he added.
According to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), its licensees paid Rs 2.58 billion as bandwidth charges during the previous fiscal 2011-12.
The NTA recommends to the Ministry of Information and Communications that foreign exchange facility be issued to its licensees to pay bandwidth charges. Following the ministry’s okay, telecom companies and ISPs get foreign exchange from Nepal Rastra Bank to pay their international suppliers.
NTA Director Ananda Raj Khanal said that bandwidth costs had been swelling due to a heavy growth in internet users and access to international content. “Bandwidth charges increase in line with the growth in the number of internet users,” he added.
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