Govt in talks with ADB to launch VoBS

KATHMANDU: The government is once again mulling over introducing controversial voice over broadband service here despite objection from major telecom companies. The Himalayan Times has learnt that the Ministry of Information and Communications is holding talks with the Asian Development Bank, which is funding the project, in this regard.

eGMP gets priority in IT roadmap

KATHMANDU: If things goes as per plan of the government, the much awaited implementation of e-government master plan (eGMP) will start within five years. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) has included this plan in an integrated draft roadmap prepared to guide IT sector’s development.

Govt unlikely to meet vehicle tax target

KATHMANDU: The government is unlikely to meet target of vehicle tax collection in the current fiscal year. The Department of Transport Management report shows it collected Rs 4.02 billion vehicle tax which is 87.4 per cent of the target fixed for first nine months of this fiscal year.

NTA reserves profit Rs 13.34b

KATHAMNDU: Even as there is huge rise in income and profit, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is unable to make better use its resource for development in telecom sector. The government record shows that the telecom regulator has reserved profit of Rs 13.34 billion. 

Consultant selection for 10 town plan halted

KATHMANDU: The government’s plan to set up 10 new town along the Mid-Hill Highway has received setback after the consulting firms bidding to provide service filed a case in the Supreme Court. This has halted work on hiring new consultants to prepare master plan of the proposed modern towns.

Govt, China CAMC sign pact to build Pokhara airport

KATHMANDU: The government has finally signed agreement with China CAMC Engineering Co to build the much talked about Pokhara airport. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) on Thursday signed commercial agreement with the Chinese firm to build the airport at US$ 215.96 million under engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract.

Smart Telecom solves its share ownership dispute

KATHMANDU: Smart Telecom’s dispute on share ownership has ended with an agreement to bring a strategic partner. The company which bagged unified licence last year is undergoing homework to sale a certain percent of share to an international partner and expand service nationwide.  

NTA union pile pressure to issue untimatum to UTL

KATHMANDU: Employees’ union of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has piled pressure on NTA Board and management to issue ultimatum to United Telecom Limited (UTL) to collect unified licence. The union on Tuesday provided one month’s time to do so.

Manage alternative locations: Crushers

KATHMANDU: Crusher entrepreneurs have demanded that the government to immediately manage alternative location to run their industries or scrap new criteria fixed for crusher industries. They demanded so citing that it is impossible to find proper location on the basis of the government fix rules.

80 pc rural households in mobile access: AHS

KATHMANDU: Mobile phone has become a major service to reach in the hand of rural people. The annual household survey (AHS) 2012-13 shows that nearly 80 per cent of rural households have access to mobile phone facility. Thanks to increased service network of telecom companies.

East-West railway plan faces trouble

Himalayan News Service
KATHMANDU: Failure to get the alignment approved from the government has left the national priority project-Mechi-Mahakali Electric Railway in trouble. The Department of Railways, the project implementing agency has faced problems in preparing detailed project report (DPR) and acquiring land.

MRP must for outbound workers: DoFE

Kathmandu: From Thursday onward, anyone planning to leave the country for foreign employment must acquire machine readable passport (MRP) to get work permit. On Wednesday, the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) said that it would not issue final work permit for individuals carrying hard-written passport.

Most migrants die due to cardiac arrest

KATHMANDU: Cardiac arrest is the major reason for unnatural deaths and rising number of Nepali workers dying in foreign labour destinations. The government statistics show that nearly 600 individuals lost their life due to cardiac arrest in last seven years.

Legitimacy of NTA's ad-hoc board in question

KATHMANDU: Various decisions taken lately by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), including the one on granting permission to two telecom companies to expand services, may be annulled, as the legitimacy of the existing ad-hoc board that leads the telecom sector regulatory body has been called into question.

Govt plans to sign contract for railway DPR study for western sections

KATHMANDU: The government is working out on signing a contract for detailed project report (DPR) study of two additional sections of the proposed Mechi-Mahakali Electric Railway project. The Department of Railways recently invited request for proposal from shortlisted firms to this effect.

MoIC asks regulator to renew NT's mobile licence

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) on Thursday directed Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to renew the GSM licence permit of Nepal Telecom (NT) without charging Rs 20 billion fee for now.

Load rule for cargo vehicles in offing

KATHMANDU: The government is preparing to restrict the movement of overloaded cargo carriers across the country to keep the roads in good shape and minimise traffic accidents. In this regard, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) is all set to introduce a guideline fixing load capacity of such vehicles. Heavy vehicles carrying loads more than its gross vehicle weight (GVW) will be required to destock the materials or pay a fine, according to officials at the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) that drafted the guideline. GVW is the maximum permitted weight for vehicles.

Foreign migrants lack training

Orientation centres found 'selling' certificates to workers
KATHMANDU: The government has failed to take strict action against orientation centres issuing certificates without actually providing pre-departure counselling to outbound Nepali workers. The trend of attesting that aspirants went through a training is putting the life of Nepali migrant workers at risk besides making them unaware about job destinations.

Panacea wins REC@nnect Boot Camp award

KATHMANDU: Panacea, a mobile application from Bangladesh has won the first prize of the REC@nnect Boot Camp Award as an innovative tech entrepreneurship. The application which helps in fighting against counterfeit medicines allows customers to verify themselves whether a drug is genuine or fake via the app and SMS.

Ncell brings Wikipedia Zero offer

KATHMANDU: Ncell has launched a new product — Wikipedia Zero — which enables its customers to have free access to Wikipedia, the world’s largest online encyclopedia. All customers having Ncell internet will be able to access online resources of Wikipedia at zero cost from Wednesday onwards.

DoCSM closes down sweet shop

KATHMANDU: The Department of Commerce and Supply Management (DoCSM) has closed down Vaishno Devi Sweet and Bhojanalaya located at Lagankhel, Lalitpur. During market monitoring on Monday, the sweet shop was found to be disregarding the instructions issued by the department during market monitoring last year. The department said that it sealed the shop and restricted it from doing business

Transport dept to call global tender

Committee to finalise bid documents within next two weeks
KATHMANDU: The Department of Transport Management is preparing to call a global tender within this fiscal year to give momentum to its plan of replacing existing motor vehicle number plates with embossed plates.

Railways dept mulls multi-year contracts

If things go according to plan‚ construction of east-west railway track bed to gather speed
KATHMANDU: If things go according to plan, the construction work of East-West Electrical Railway Line will move ahead at a faster pace from the next fiscal year. To expedite the construction work, the Department of Railways is mulling over signing multi-year contracts for construction of railway track bed.

NTA to revise terms in permits for ISPs‚ NSPs

KATHMANDU: Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is gearing up to revise terms and conditions mentioned in licences issued to internet service providers (ISPs) and network service providers (NSPs) to make them compatible to latest technological advancements.

NTA employees protest MoIC's 'unnecessary intervention'

KATHMANDU: Employees of Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) have prevented the board of directors from holding regular meetings to protest what they call ‘unnecessary intervention by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC)’.

Govt exploring alternative models for 'fast track' road construction

KATHMANDU: The government is exploring alternative financing models to construct the 76-km-long Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track road, for which, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) is seeking approval of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) for the annuity model.

Complete national pride projects on time: PM

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on Monday directed concerned line ministries to expedite work of national pride projects and complete them on time. His instruction has come at a time when such projects are crawling at a snail’s pace.

Nepal Telecom plans to set up subsidiary IT company

KATHMANDU: Nepal Telecom (NT) has stated that it will establish a subsidiary company which will work on development of software and local internet contents. The idea has come as a result of a long standing plan of the company to diversify investment.

NT‚ regulator at loggerheads on mobile licence renewal fee

KATHMANDU: Even as the deadline to renew Nepal Telecom (NT)’s mobile service permit nears, the government is yet to reach a conclusion regarding licence renewal fee, which has been a bone of contention between the company and the telecom regulator.

Nepalis may get to enjoy 4G service this year

KATHMANDU: If things move ahead as planned, Nepali consumers will be able to experience the world’s latest innovation in the telecom industry, called the fourth generation (4G) service, within this year. A study committee has recommended the government two options for the much talked about auctioning of the spectrum required for 4G, also known as long-term evolution (LTE).

70pc govt services to go online

All its e-services to be integrated to national portal by 2018
The government is coming up with an ambitious plan that aims to make 70 per cent of its services available online by 2018. For this, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) has planned to integrate all e-services of the government to national portal.

Govt to launch new communications policy in five months

KATHMADNU, APRIL 23-- Minister for Information and Communications (MoIC) Minendra Rijal on Thursday, said that the government will bring a new policy within five months to guide the development of the overall communications sector. The policy envisages better operation of telecom, internet, digital and cable television services in the country.

Consumer activists seek regional offices of NTA

KATHMANDU, APRIL 20--Consumer rights activists have demanded that government establish at least two regional offices of Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) in Nepalgunj in the west and Biratnagar in the east to make it easy for consumers to file complaints.

Govt to fix base price for 4G spectrum auctioning

KATHMANDU: A committee formed to review difficulties in implementing frequency policy is preparing to recommend the government to keep the base price of fourth generation (4G) spectrum below Rs 12 million per MHz for auctioning.

NTA preparing to develop GIS based database of telecom infrastructure

KATHMANDU, APRIL 18-- The government is developing a database of telecom infrastructures based on geographic information system (GIS). It is mainly focused at maintaining digital record of infrastructures, including optical fibre, microwave towers, and base transceiver stations (BTS) spread across the country.

TBi to invest in tunnel highway to Hetauda

KATHMANDU: TBi Holdings Company, Japan, a company promoted by non-resident Nepalis (NRNs), is investing Rs one billion in Nepal Purbadhar Bikash Company Limited (NPBCL), the developer of Kathmandu-Kulekhani -Hetauda Tunnel Highway. Both the companies signed a share purchase agreement on Wednesday to this regard.

Call emergency numbers‚ NTA rings hollow

KATHMANDU: Have you ever dialled 100 to call the police using United Telecom Limited or Smart Telecom line? Or have you tried calling the fire brigade (101), using Ncell service? If you have, you know these numbers are not reachable, all thanks to the negligence of the telecom sector regulator and companies. Result: More than 50 per cent of telephone subscribers have been barred from using emergency numbers.

Progress in developing CeCs in country snail-paced

Government says lengthy and cumbersome procedures are to be blamed for the delay

KATHMANDU: Even after three years since the project started, the progress in establishing 81 community e-centres (CeCs) in 52 districts of the country has been painstakingly slow. 

Consultant urges government to adopt DBB model

For Tamsaria-Butwal-Bhairahawa section of Mechi-Mahakali Railway 
KATHMANDU, April 14--The consultant preparing the detailed project report (DPR) of Tamsaria-Butwal-Bhairahawa section — a section of the proposed Mechi-Mahakali Railway — has recommended the government to construct the section under design, bid and build (DBB) model.

Eight firms apply to be consultants

 NT's Strategic Partner
KATHMANDU: Eight international firms, including renowned global consulting agencies like KPMG, Ernst & Young, and Deloitte, have expressed interest in providing consultancy service to Nepal Telecom (NT) to help it rope in a strategic partner. These firms submitted their Expressions of Interest (EoI) by deadline today.

ITU launches young innovator competition

KATHMANDU, APRIL 8--International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched the fourth edition of its popular ‘Young Innovators’ competition, seeking out talented young thinkers and social technopreneurs across the globe, and encouraging them to showcase their innovative ideas at the upcoming ITU Telecom World 2014 in Doha in December this year.

Govt not to form Railway Board for now

KATHMANDU, APRIL 8--The government has decided not to form the Railway Board for now citing there is no immediate need for such a body in the country. The new Railway Act endorsed last year included a provision on formation of an autonomous railway body for expansion, development, operation of railway services and management of railway properties.

Import of telecom equipment slows down by 42pc

KATHMANDU, APRIL 7--Import of telecommunication equipment has declined significantly by 41.71 per cent in the first eight months of the current fiscal year, indicating low investment in the telecom sector. Telecom companies have imported equipment worth Rs 3.62 billion in the review period.

Mobile penetration up‚ subscription down

KATHMANDU, APRIL 3-- Subscription of new mobile lines has declined with the penetration rate of voice service heading towards saturation. The latest Nepal Telecommunications Authority figures show that telecom operators added fewer customers to its network this year, as telecom penetration rate rose to 86.82 per cent.

Introduction of embossed number plates to be delayed

KATHMANDU: Introduction of long-planned embossed number plates for vehicles has failed to make any headway, as the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) has continued to drag its feet in making key decisions.

Nepal‚ SKorea gear up to sign agreement

Draft MoU for railway development approved by both govts
KATHMANDU: The government is preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korea on cooperation for development of railway in Nepal. Both the governments have already approved the draft MoU to be signed in this regard.

Digital solutions for youth employment

KATHMANDU, APRIL 2-- Digital solutions have an important role to play in national strategies to overcome youth unemployment, says a International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report.

Govt set to remove 20-year-old public vehicles

KATHMANDU: Plans to remove public vehicles that are more than 20 years old from the roads finally seem to be gathering speed — almost a decade after the government had announced it.

RTDF unused due to legal hurdles

KATHMANDU, March 30--Billions of rupees collected by the government from different telecom companies for the purpose of rural telecom development have remained idle due to various legal hurdles.

Nearly 30 per cent Nepalis have internet access

KATHMANDU: Three out of every 10 Nepalis are using internet services in the country. Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA)’s most recent figure shows that the penetration rate of data service had increased to 29.78 per cent by mid-January, 2014.

IL&FS eyes Fast Track road

Expresses interest to build 76-km expressway on annuity model
KATHMANDU: Indian firm — Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) — has expressed interest to build the much talked about Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track road under annuity-based model. The company has shown interest at a time when the government has been giving multiple thoughts on financing the 76-km expressway.

Transport fares likely to go up 15 per cent

KATHMANDU: In the wake of hike in the prices of petroleum products, transport fares are likely to go up by 15 per cent. The government and transport entrepreneurs are preparing to hold talks soon to fix new rates.

NTA gears up to amend telecom law to auction 4G frequency

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is working to amend the Telecommunications Act to make legal provision for auctioning high value frequencies. High value radio telecommunication frequencies include third generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G) spectrum.

Rights activists demand quality service from telecom cos

KATHMANDU, MAR 14 - Consumer rights activists have asked telecom companies to improve the quality of their service and make the billing system transparent. They have also accused the companies of focusing more on increasing revenue than providing better service.

3 foreign firms makes fresh bids to undertake KTM-Tarai Fast Track road

KATHMANDU, MAR 13 - Three foreign firms—one Chinese and two Indian—have expressed interest to construct the 76-km Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track project, the the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT) said.

Nepal Telecom ready for a partner

KATHMANDU, MAR 12 - Nepal Telecom (NT) called on the Expression of Interest (EOI) on Tuesday to hire a consultant as part of the preparations to bring in the much talked about strategic partner. The company has invited applications from interested national and international consultants.

Study downgrades expected traffic on planned Fast Track

KATHMANDU, MAR 11 - Potential foreign investors, who have not been very keen about the proposed Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track to begin with, will be even more reluctant now to put money in the project as a new study has downgraded expected traffic.

Poverty ID card holders to get essential goods at cheaper rate

KATHMANDU, MAR 09 - The government plans on making available the daily essential goods at a cheaper rate to the poor by establishing fair price shops. The Ministry of Commerce and Supplies has included this plan in the Consumer Protection Policy which is in the pipeline.

Postal road project stalledas contractor flees

KATHMANDU, MAR 08 -Construction work on a 320-km section of the Postal Highway Project has been at a standstill for the last eight months after the Indian contactors abandoned it without notice. A joint venture of two Indian companies Vishwa and BVSR had been contracted to build the road by December 2013.

Bindhabasini Transport gets permit to operate buses

KATHMANDU, MAR 07 - The government has finally decided to assign a route permit to the Bindhabasini Transport Entrepreneurs Committee of Pokhara which has brought Euro III standard buses to provide high quality service to travellers in Pokhara.

NTA directs UTL to pay off dues and collect unified licence

KATHMANDU, MARCH 2--The Nepal Telecommuni-cations Authority ( NTA ) has directed the United Telecom Limited (UTL) to acquire a unified licence by clearing any outstanding dues. The NTA ’s instruction came at a time when the company is delaying to pick up the permit.

NT’s phone traffic up due to cheaper foreign rates

KATHMANDU, FEB 28 -Customers of Nepal Telecom ( NT ) are making more telephone calls to foreign destinations as they have become cheaper. The company saw a 12.87 percent growth in outgoing international calls in January compared to the same month last year.

DPR of Simara-Tamsariya railway segment gets go-ahead

KATHMANDU, FEB 28 -The Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation has given the go-ahead to conduct a detailed project report (DPR) of the proposed Simara-Tamsariya railway line. The DPR of the Chitwan section had been held up for the last eight months after the Department of Forest and Chitwan National Park (CNP) refused to let the study be done citing environmental concerns. Department officials said that they received permission to conduct the DPR last week after the proposed rail route was realigned to avoid core areas of the national park.

NT’s proposal to bring in partner inches forward

KATHMANDU, FEB 26 - Nepal Telecom (NT) has moved a step ahead in its quest to hitch up with a strategic partner with its board okaying plans to hire a consultant to write the bid documents.The state-owned telecom giant will now invite expressions of interest (EOI) from potential consultants who will prepare the tender documents that prospective partners will have to submit.