Government serious for reforms in telecom sector: CIT Minister Dr Timilsina

Kathmandu, May 13: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has shared that the government has forwarded reform initiatives along with necessary study keeping telecom sector, media policy and communications sector in priority.     

At a press meet organised at the Ministry today, Minister Dr Timilsina opined that though it was challenging to manage all sectors at a time in a short period, the government has been working on the basis of priority.     

He mentioned that the government has focused its attention to improve the quality of telecom services, and making it competitive and systematic.     

Stating that there is no situation of launching 5G service by discontinuing the 4G service immediately, the Communications Minister underlined that preparation was underway to make 4G service maximum effective for the time being and 5G service would be launched gradually.     

He underlined that the government has put the issue of launching 5G service in the priority.     

Minister Dr Timilsina argued that preparation for determining necessary frequency and distribution has been forwarded, adding the government has also been studying the issue of necessity of additional mobile operators to make the telecom service competitive.     

Sharing that necessary process has been forwarded regarding the context of identifying a third mobile operator at the time when two companies have now been providing mobile services, he expressed the belief that this act would make telecom sector more effective and competitive.     

The government has taken a policy of strengthening overall telecom system, the Communications Minister mentioned, adding the Ministry has been continuously holding discussions with Nepal Telecom and Nepal Telecom Authority to this connection and the government was ready to provide necessary support.     

He underscored that the reform process has been forwarded by implementing the laws to resolve existing problems of telecom sector. Stating that the government was serious on billing system and service management related with Nepal Telecom, Minister Dr Timilsina viewed that solution would be found out remaining within existing laws and regulations keeping the transparency in centre.     

Highlighting that both public investment and government responsibility are involved in Nepal Telecom, he emphasised the need to fulfil the necessary roles according to laws and regulations.     

The Communications and Information Technology Minister stated that the government is also studying the development of 'data centres' and digital infrastructure in Nepal.     

Stating that studies are underway regarding the interest of multinational companies, 'digital feasibility', and the potential to attract foreign investment, he informed that an ongoing study is exploring the possibility of developing Nepal as a regional 'data centre hub'.     

He stated that the government is committed to preventing the misuse of assets funded by the people's taxes and systemic corruption, and that if information is received about wrongdoing by any agency, institution or employee, the relevant state mechanism will be activated. He also urged that the necessary information be made directly available for this purpose.     

Communications Minister Timilsina expressed the view that independent and responsible journalism is essential to strengthen democracy. He pointed out that democracy cannot be strong without a robust media sector, stating the government is sensitive to the role of the media.     

He believed that media outlets also need to focus on responsible and professional journalism to improve their image.     

The Minister also stated that policy improvements will be made by studying advertising distribution, media sustainability, and issues concerning the interests of journalists.     

The government has stated that it is coordinating through the ministry and relevant agencies to resolve issues related to media and news organisations concerning government advertisements.     

The ministry has clarified that the advertisement distribution and selection process would be made transparent, and no decisions will be taken outside the prescribed procedures.(RSS)