NT mulls investment portfolio diversification

KATHMANDU, APR 07 -Cash-rich Nepal Telecom (NT) is exploring possibilities of diversifying its investment portfolio from its core telecom business.

A committee formed by the NT board is holding a study to suggest potential areas for investment. The committee is expected to come up with the report within a month. For the last few years, the company has also been planning to set up a subsidiary company to diversify investments in electricity generation, transmission and infrastructure sharing. “The NT board will decide on possible investment areas based on the report of the committee,” said a board member, adding the NT has the capacity to invest around Rs 35 billion from savings it has in various banks.

Two years ago, the country’s largest tax payer amended its memorandum of articles paving the way for investment in new sectors.

NTA apathy leaves mobile number portability in limbo

KATHMANDU, APR 04 -

The Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service, which the government had considered to introduce into the market, has remained in limbo for the last three years due to the lack of interest from the Nepal Telecom munications Authority (NTA).

The MNP service allows subscribers to retain their mobile numbers if they wish to switch from one operator to another over their dissatisfaction with the service quality or the tariff. The service has been effective in markets like India and Pakistan which have high rate of mobile penetration and fierce competition among mobile operators.

A study conducted by NTA in 2011 had concluded that the NMP could be introduced once the country’s penetration rate reaches 60 percent. The country has now witnessed an increase in total penetration rate of over 70 percentage 70 percent (including 63.72 percent of mobile users) as of Mid-February 2013. The study had also suggested making some changes to the existing telecom rules and replacing the zonal numbering plan with a national numbering plan to implement the MNP service.

Study of road network to improve transport mgmt

KATHMANDU, APR 03 -The government has started mapping the entire network of motorable roads in the country as part of its plan to implement scientific transport management. Over 500 routes including inner city roads will be studied under this programme which aims to improve smooth operation of vehicles.

Public vehicles currently operate on 432 routes. However; they have not been properly studied in terms of physical condition, exact length and the number of vehicles required to provide transport service on them. The study being carried out by the government will classify mountain, hill and Tarai roads, and fix public transport fares accordingly.

The mapping of the country’s routes will also help the government to issue route permits to public transport operators in a planned way, ending the haphazard system that prevails presently.

Government tightens the screws on contractors

KATHMANDU, APR 01 -The government has started tightening the screws on Mid-Hill Highway contractors with poor performance record.

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has sought clarification from 21 contractors for their “negligible” progress on construction of road and bridges in the Western section of the Mid-Hill Highway.

The ministry has asked the contractors to submit clarification by Friday, showing valid reasons why they failed to work effectively. Publishing a notice, the ministry has also asked the contractors to furnish a “revised work schedule” for efficient implementation of the project, ministry officials said. “We are hopeful the contractors will take their responsibility seriously after this move,” said Tulasi Prasad Sitaula, secretary at the ministry. “Otherwise, we can blacklist the companies. If blacklisted, they will not get government contracts for one-three years.”