Nepal government rejects foreign exchange recommendation for internet | CA Nirajan Keshri posted on the topic | LinkedIn (2024)

👉 Many parts of Nepal faced internet disruptions on Thursday.👉 The Cause: Indian vendors cut off broadband services due to non-payment by Nepali internet providers (ISPs).👉The Reason for Non-Payment: Nepal ISPs claim they haven't been able to get foreign currency from Nepal banks to pay Indian vendors.👉The Dispute: Nepal government is withholding foreign currency until ISPs pay taxes on specific services. ISPs argue they are exempt from these taxes.Additional details:👉 Mobile internet services were still functional but with slower speeds.👉 Wlink, Nepal's largest ISP, blamed the government for the disruption.👉 No official comment from the Nepali government yet.

Broadband internet services are disrupted in most parts of NepalKATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Broadband internet was disrupted in many parts of Nepal ...Read More - https://lnkd.in/dQ6A_mQa

Namibia, Botswana Plan Harmonisation Roaming ChargesStaff writerThe Information, Communications and Technology Ministers of Namibia and Botswana have agreed to work on a framework to reduce roaming charges between the two countries.ICT Minister Dr. Peya Mushelenga and his delegation arrived in Windhoek on Thursday after a working visit to neighbouring Botswana.Mushelenga and his neighboring counterpart, Thulagano Segokgo, held extensive discussions agreed that the two regulators, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority - BOCRA , in consultation with mobile network operators, should agree on a collaborative framework to reduce roaming charges between Namibia and Botswana.In addition, they agreed that a standardised percentage charge on the handling of roaming costs be investigated between the two countries. The two Ministers reiterated their commitment to implement the SADC Ministers decision by March 2024.Namibia and Botswana are interested in broadening their relations to include the sphere of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT).Speaking on Wednesday to reporters, Minister Segokgo there is the need to address high roaming charges for accessing cellular network services when visiting either of the two countries.He said it was important for roaming charges to be harmonised as it was of interest to the citizens of the two nations.He said currently, Botswana was accessing the West Africa fibre network cable system through Namibia. "Harmonising roaming charges is an initiative that has already been tabled by the regional organ SADC, as such, the two nations will take the lead that other regional member states must embrace, he said.His counterpart, Dr. Mushelenga concurred with Minister Segokgo on the issue of harmonising roaming tariffs.He said while the two nations collaborated on a number of areas for the benefit of their people, the ICT sector was not adequately covered hence the need to share notes.He said his ministry was on the process of tabling two bills in the near future relating to Data Protection and Cyber Security.Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dCvyctnj

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Empowering #Bangladesh's digital evolution, the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) introduces the 'National Broadband Policy 2023,' aiming for universal access to high-capacity broadband networks, services, and technology platforms. This policy will propel Bangladesh toward a #tech-forward economy. 🌐 📶 #DigitalInfrastructure #DigitalTransformation

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The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) has called for a reduction in taxes on telecom customers to enhance the affordability of digital services. With Pakistan being one of the highest-taxed telecom markets globally, where telecom users face an overall tax burden of 34.5 percent, including 15 percent WHT and 19.5 percent GST, GSMA’s proposal aims to address the impact of high taxes on the mobile industry.The mobile industry in Pakistan plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation and achieving the Digital Pakistan Vision. However, the current tax contribution from the mobile sector in Pakistan exceeds that of similar markets in the region, severely limiting the industry’s capacity to invest in network infrastructure, hindering the realization of the Digital Pakistan Vision. #news #pakistan #taxes #telecom #customers

Samoa Telecommunication regulator, Lematua Gisa Purcell has maintained that the current internet price is cheaper compared to previous years and the network cost will drop again before the end of the year. Lematua made the comments in response to growing concerns raised in Parliament over the high cost of internet despite major IT infrastructure available locally. The Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has challenged the Regulator and the Minister of Communication Information and Technology (MCIT) to do something about the expensive connectivity costs. More on our site!#affordableinternet #cheapinternet #samoa #samoainternet

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Internet service providers (ISPs) have been instructed not to charge more than the prescribed internet fees set by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority. This comes after some service providers increased their fees on their own. Some ISPs increased fees stating they were given the green light by the authority. However, the authority has said it has made no decision allowing ISPs to increase internet fees. According to the Telecommunications Act, ISPs can only increase the tariff after the approval notice is published by the authority. https://lnkd.in/dide6WZM #telecommunications

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P@SHA stands firm against the proposed blanket ban on VPNs in Pakistan. Recognizing the importance of regulatory measures, P@SHA underscores the detrimental impact such a ban would have on Pakistan's economy and its growing reputation as a tech and innovation hub.The restriction could jeopardize economic stability, deter foreign and domestic investments, and hinder the achievement of Pakistan's ambitious IT export goals.P@SHA emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach, advocating for collaboration with regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders to propose viable alternatives. This includes the formation of a joint working group with the PTA to ensure the uninterrupted operation of internet services while addressing regulatory concerns.https://lnkd.in/dk5scKFU

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The suspension of mobile broadband services has had a devastating effect on the economy, resulting in substantial losses for telecom operators, the government, and the people of Pakistan. According to media reports, the telecom operators have incurred an estimated revenue loss of Rs. 820 million, while the government has lost around Rs. 28 million in tax revenue.#Telecommunication #Pakistan #RevenueLoss #TashheerDigital #MobileInternet #Suspension #TelecomOperators

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Internet in the Philippines is slow. And not only on the smaller outlier islands, but in major metro areas like Manilla and Cebu. Why? A dual-licensing policy requires broadband operators to get permission from the industry regulatory body and then from the Philippine congress itself. Hoping the government gets out of its own way to allow investment to flow in. The Philippine people deserve so much more. See story below:https://lnkd.in/de9iSXgn

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