NTA unveils draft telecom policy with ambitious broadband and GDP targets
Summary
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority has drafted the Integrated Telecommunications Policy 2026, setting ambitious targets for broadband access, affordability, digital literacy and ICT’s contribution to GDP. The framework also proposes new rules for licensing, spectrum management, foreign investment, cybersecurity and 5G adoption.
Key Points
- The Nepal Telecommunications Authority has drafted the Integrated Telecommunications Policy 2026 to replace and update existing telecom rules.
- The policy targets 50 Mbps broadband access for 80 percent of the population in five years and 98 percent in 10 years, while capping prices as a share of income.
- It aims to raise ICT’s GDP contribution to 4 percent in five years and 7 percent in a decade, alongside higher digital literacy rates.
- The framework also covers 5G, fiber, IoT, satellite services, infrastructure sharing, cybersecurity and disaster-resistant networks.
