The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has instructed all internet service providers (ISPs) in the country to secure tariff approval before offering services to customers, following a surge in complaints about unregulated and arbitrary pricing.
In a formal notice, the regulator reminded ISPs of the legal obligation under Section 42 of the Telecommunications Act 2053 B.S., which requires service providers to obtain prior approval for all service fees and tariff rates. “The service fees and tariff rates charged by Internet (including email) service providers must be approved by the Authority in accordance with the Act and the conditions of their license,” the NTA stated.
The directive comes after several users alleged that ISPs were charging service fees without official authorization, violating national telecommunications law. NTA emphasized that customers are required to pay only approved and officially notified tariffs, warning ISPs to comply or face potential regulatory action.
Under existing regulations, every ISP must submit proposed pricing and packages for review and approval before launching them commercially. The authority also requires providers to publicly disclose the approval date of each tariff to ensure transparency and consumer protection.
Nepal currently has over 20 licensed ISPs, collectively serving more than 3.25 million fiber internet subscribers nationwide. The NTA’s move is part of ongoing efforts to standardize internet pricing, strengthen oversight, and protect consumers from unfair billing practices in the rapidly expanding broadband market.
