4-wheeler registrations in Bagmati jump 29pc

KATHMANDU, JAN 31 - The registration of new vehicles in Bagmati zone , where the Kathmandu valley is situated, jumped 29.65 percent during the first half of the fiscal year.According to the Department of Transport Management, 7,044 four-wheelers were registered during the period mid-July to mid-January 2013-14. Bagmati is the country’s largest automobile market.

Govt collects Rs 1.2b frequency fees from telcos

KATHMANDU, JAN 29 - The government has collected Rs 1.2 billion in frequency fees from telecom companies for service use during the last fiscal year. Though the size of the fee collected is higher than that of the previous fiscal year, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has faced problems in collecting fees as per the provision of the spectrum policy.

Govt plans to implement digital signatures

KATHMANDU, JAN 25 -The government plans to bring digital signatures required for online transactions into full implementation from next year. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment is preparing to set up a disaster recovery (DR) site in this regard.

Adulteration case filed against jewellery dealer

KATHMANDU, JAN 24 - Legal action has been taken against another gold dealer in the Capital as the government continues its crackdown against adulteration in gold jewellery . The Department of Commerce and Supply Management has filed a case against Sayapatri Merry Gold Jewellers of New Road for selling second-rate products.

Telecos may have to go public

KATHMANDU, JAN 21 -Telecom companies in Nepal may have to go public in the future. A taskforce formed to study crossholdings in the telecom sector has recommended creating a legal provision requiring private telecom companies to become public companies within five years after the crossholding guideline is issued.

50 firms penalised for hiring foreigners sans work permit

KATHMANDU, JAN 19 -The government has penalised the 50 organisations employing foreigners who have not acquired work permit. The organisations were found employing 103 such foreigners and were fined Rs 10,000 for each such recruitment.

Govt undecided about licence renewal fee

KATHMANDU, JAN 18 -Nepal Telecom (NT) is in a fix because its licence for GSM mobile service is coming up for renewal, but the government can’t decide how much to charge for it.

Malpractices in market continue unabated

KATHMANDU, JAN 17 -No matter how much effort the government puts in market monitoring, malpractices in the market are continuing unabated. A market inspection team on Thursday re-sealed Roshi Products, a sauce factory located in Teku, Kathmandu.

Four new ISPs join internet services fray

KATHMANDU, JAN 16 -Four new companies have been given the go-ahead to operate as internet service providers (ISPs) swelling their total number to 45, said the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA).

Govt. acting tough on foreigners working illegally in Nepal

KATHMANDU, JAN 13--The government is set to start acting tough on foreigners working illegally in Nepal. The Department of Labour has issued ultimatum of 90 days for such foreigners to obtain work permit as per the Labour Act or face legal action.

Govt envisions setting up consumer court in all districts

KATHMANDU, JAN 13--The government is giving final touches to the much awaited Consumer Protection Policy to safeguard consumer rights. The policy expected to come in implementation within next three months has envisaged of setting up consumer courts in all 75 districts.

Mid-Hill Highway to bypass Capital to ease congestion

KATHMANDU, JAN 14 -The Mid-Hill Highway will bypass Kathmandu in a bid to lessen traffic congestion in the valley and on Prithvi Highway. The government’s decision to change the alignment of the cross-country road has also been guided by the objective of including more hilly districts in the network.

NT’s strategic partner plan gets some momentum

KATHMANDU, JAN 12 -Nepal Telecom ’s (NT) long standing plan to bring in a strategic partner has got some momentum as a technical sub-committee, assigned to carry out legal and procedural activities, has submitted its report paving the way for the invitation of expression of interest (EoI) for hiring an international consultant.

Bhattarai named MD of Nepal Telecom

KATHMANDU, JAN 10 -The government has appointed Anoop Rajan Bhattarai as managing director (MD) of Nepal Telecom ( NT ) as a stopgap measure. The post at the state-owned company had remained vacant for the last three months, affecting its service expansion and policy-level decision making.

NT unions demand appointment of new chief

KATHMANDU, JAN 07 -Workers’ unions at Nepal Telecom (NT) have demanded that the government appoint a new managing director (MD) at the state-run telecom giant at the earliest. The post has remained vacant for the last three months.

Two companies to launch IPTV

KATHMANDU, JAN 05 -Two companies — Orient Digital Media and Subisu Cable Net — are planning to launch Internet Protocol Television ( IPTV ) service for the first time in the country.

Info-Tech pulls in 200K visitors in three days

KATHMANDU, JAN 05 -The ongoing annual mega event of CAN Info-Tech has received overwhelming response from visitors. Over 200,000 visitors have observed the event as of Saturday, according to the organiser — Computer Association of Nepal (CAN).

Future’s bright, but challenges abound in IT

KATHMANDU, JAN 02 -Who would have imagined a decade ago that one could book air or movie tickets from a mobile phone ? Who would have thought migrant Nepali workers could send remittance on a phone ?