ISPs warn of higher internet costs as govt pushes digital expansion
Summary
Internet service providers in Nepal have warned they may discontinue low-priced packages from Monday as rising operating costs squeeze the sector. The government and the Nepal Telecommunications Authority are pushing to expand affordable broadband, speed-based tariffs and 5G as part of the country’s digital transformation drive.
Key Points
- ISPAN says low-priced internet packages are no longer sustainable because of rising infrastructure, fuel and optical fiber costs.
- The government is pushing to expand affordable broadband access under its digital transformation agenda.
- The Nepal Telecommunications Authority plans to bring 50 Mbps broadband to 80 percent of the population within five years and facilitate commercial 5G testing.
- ISPAN says the new tariff structure and compliance requirements could add to consumer costs and limit digital access.
