The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has fined 14 internet service providers Rs 50,000 each for selling internet services in violation of its directives and approved standards.
According to a press release issued by the authority on Tuesday, the penalties were imposed under Section 47(1) of the Telecommunications Act, 1997, after inspections confirmed violations of licence conditions.
NTA spokesperson Min Prasad Aryal said the companies were penalised for failing to comply with the authority’s directives, not providing services according to approved packages, charging more than the prescribed rates, selling unapproved packages and failing to inform customers about such packages within the stipulated period.
The authority said that providing internet services below approved speed standards and charging fees above approved rates violate consumer rights. Internet service providers are required to submit proposed tariffs and their effective dates for approval at least three months in advance, in accordance with the tariff determination guidelines. However, some providers were found to have failed to comply with this requirement.
The companies fined are Broadlink Network and Communication Pvt Ltd, Classic Tech Pvt Ltd, Websurfer Nepal Communication System Pvt Ltd, Fiberworld Communication Pvt Ltd, Vianet Communications Ltd, Aeronet Pvt Ltd, Dish Media Network Ltd, WiFi Nepal Pvt Ltd, CG Communications Ltd, WorldLink Communications Ltd, First Link Communication Pvt Ltd, Pokhara Internet Pvt Ltd, Techminds Network Ltd and Subisu Ltd.
The NTA has directed the companies to immediately discontinue internet packages and tariffs operating without approval and provide information about their compliance. It has also instructed them to compensate customers for any losses or damages upon receiving claims from affected customers.
The authority has warned all licensed telecommunications service providers to obtain approval before introducing any service package or tariff and not to operate unapproved packages. Providers have also been instructed to fully comply with existing laws, regulations and licence conditions.
On October 10, the NTA had clarified that internet service charges had not increased and warned that action would be taken against providers charging more than approved rates or operating services in ways that harm consumers.
The authority stated that it had received no proposals from service providers to increase tariffs and had not approved any tariff hikes. It also reminded providers of their obligation to publish their approved rates.
The NTA has urged consumers to file complaints if they are charged above approved rates or if service providers operate unlawfully in ways that violate consumer rights.
The authority said the measures aim to protect consumer interests, promote fair competition and ensure that internet services operate in accordance with applicable laws.
