Vianet Communication Ltd., a private internet service provider, has successfully paid its Rural Telecommunications Development Fund (RTDF) and royalty fees to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). The payment was made after the NTA instructed internet service providers to clear their dues by the end of the month (Monday, Poush 29, 2081).
The company paid a total of Rs 39.58 crore (Rs 395,829,449) in RTDF and royalty fees. This includes Rs 26.77 crore (Rs 267,743,000) for royalty fees and Rs 12.80 crore (Rs 128,086,000) for RTDF fees. All telecom service providers are required to pay a percentage of their annual revenue towards these fees.
NTA sources confirmed the payment, noting that the ISP had dues pending from fiscal year FY 2075/76. The payment includes both RTDF and royalty fees, as well as other categories. Following strict instructions from NTA, Vianet has now cleared its dues, joining other providers like WorldLink and Subisu, who also made their payments to the authority.
Despite this, Vianet still owes Rs 15 crore to NTA under the same categories. Settling the arrears is expected to smooth the company’s dealings with the government, including facilitating its license renewal process. NTA had previously issued stern warnings to ISPs over unpaid RTDF fees, and Vianet’s timely payment will help alleviate future complications.
Launched in 1999, Vianet Communication has become a leading ISP in Nepal, known for introducing fiber internet, IPTV services, and a 2 Gbps internet package to the market.
