The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has issued a strong directive to immediately halt the unauthorized use of satellite internet services—reportedly provided by Elon Musk’s Starlink—at high Himalayan base camps. The move comes after the NTA’s Monitoring Division received reports that some expedition support companies were offering internet connectivity in remote mountain regions without proper authorization.
In a public notice, the NTA warned that operating or distributing telecommunications services without prior government approval or a valid license violates Section 21 of the Telecommunications Act, 1997. “The use or distribution of telecommunications (internet) services without prior permission from the Government of Nepal or a license from the NTA is punishable under the Act and other prevailing laws,” the authority stated.
While the notice did not explicitly name Starlink, officials confirmed that the service in question is being provided by the satellite internet company owned by billionaire Elon Musk. Starlink has shown interest in entering the Nepali market, but delays in necessary legal and regulatory reforms have prevented its official rollout. Although Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had a virtual meeting with Musk in December, and the company has demonstrated its services to officials, no formal agreement has been reached.
“We’ve received reports of unauthorized use of Starlink internet in Nepal. If not stopped immediately, we will initiate legal action. No internet service can operate in Nepal without proper authorization,” a senior NTA official said.
Currently, only two companies—Constellation Pvt Ltd and iFour Technology Pvt Ltd—are licensed to operate satellite-based Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) services in Nepal. Constellation serves 1,059 users, while iFour Technology provides service to 10 customers.
