NTA Renews Ncell's License for Five Years After Initial Rs 5 Billion Payment

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has renewed Ncell's operating license for the next five years, following the private telecom provider's initial payment of Rs 5 billion. The renewal was finalized on Sunday, after the government approved the extension on August 29, under certain conditions.

Ncell's license renewal had been pending for some time. On May 27, the company applied for renewal, proposing to pay Rs 4 billion upfront and requesting installment options. The NTA agreed to the renewal with specific terms, requiring Ncell to make an initial payment of Rs 1 billion, followed by three annual installments of Rs 5 billion each, totaling Rs 15 billion. The government has also imposed a 10% interest rate on the outstanding amount.

Originally, Ncell was required to pay Rs 20 billion in four installments. Having already paid the first installment of Rs 5 billion, Ncell now needs to pay the remaining Rs 15 billion over the next three years.

Ncell's initial 20-year license recently expired, and the government has now granted a renewed license allowing the company to continue operations for an additional 25 years. This license will be subject to renewal every five years after the first 10-year period. Upon completing the 25-year term, the license will be extended for a final five years, after which Ncell will be transferred to government ownership.