UTL’s comeback bid is a test of Nepal’s telecom governance
Summary
UTL is seeking a comeback despite billions in unpaid dues, while Nepal’s telecom regulator faces accusations of failing to enforce the law against both UTL and Ncell. The article links UTL’s revival push, the Smart Telecom–Ncell asset deal, and broader concerns about telecom governance and regulatory capture in Nepal.
Key Points
- UTL owes roughly Rs 29–31 billion in unpaid telecom dues, but the Nepal Telecommunications Authority repeatedly threatened action without finally revoking its license.
- Ncell is facing criminal allegations over the purchase of Smart Telecom assets, with investigators claiming the auction was rigged to favor Ncell.
- Former NTA chair Bhupendra Bhandari is portrayed as a key figure connecting the UTL delay and the Smart Telecom–Ncell case.
- The article argues Nepal’s telecom problem is broader regulatory failure and capture, not just one company’s misconduct.
