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DOCKING NEPAL’S ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Information and Communication Technology
FACTSHEET Tele density
145.62%209 Internet data subscribers
36.99 million210 Number of smartphone users
28.34 million211 Internet Penetration
The review period witnessed the regulator, Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), and the government take initiatives such as digital Know-Your-Customer (KYC), amending National Broadcasting rules etc. for improved digitalisation in the country. The market for telecommunications grew by 7.39% and the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) market grew by 41.28% in mid-February 2022 compared to mid-February 2021. The market shares held by ISPs and telecom providers remained relatively constant. Electronic Know-YourCustomer to be Implemented
High Speed Connectivity in Everest Base Camp
Nepal Telecommunications Authority is preparing to implement a centralized biometric based Know Your Customer process by November 2022. The electronic know your customer (e-KYC) will require individuals to fill a form using their National ID. Once verified, this can be used in all telecommunications, banking, transport license and other sectors that require KYC. The e-KYC will simplify registration of new SIM cards and SIM swapping and will allow service providers to serve their customers in a secure and efficient way. The new system will also enable subscriber’s information sharing between telecommunications providers and NTA. 216
Ncell is planning to build Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) in at least five different locations in the Everest region to provide dedicated ultra-fast 4G connectivity. The Ministry of Forests and Environment has invited feedback on the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project. Around 27,495 users are expected to benefit from the service with each tower serving 5,499 users per hour. The service will be available 24/7 and four out of the five towers will be powered by solar energy.217 Amendment in National Broadcasting Rules The recent amendment to the National Broadcasting Rules
126.72%212 Average download speed of mobile internet connection
16.25 Mbps213 ICT goods import as a % of total import
3.1%214 Total Digital Payment Transaction
NPR 5.86 trillion on mid-Mar to mid-April215
requires Over The Top (OTT) platform, and internet television to obtain license before operation. Such service providers are also required to maintain cache server within Nepal for storage of user information. OTT service providers are required to keep a record of programs transmitted by them for at least 60 days and make such records accessible to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Further, the content provided by OTT are subject to age wise categorization, but no guideline on this has been provided. The definition of OTT in the amendment is ambiguous and could include video streaming apps like TikTok and Facebook.218 Nepal Ranks Lower in Mobile Broadband Speed Nepal ranked 109 among 142
