Kathmandu — Senior journalist Jagdish Kharel has officially assumed office as Nepal’s new Minister for Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) and immediately unveiled his first major initiative: the rollout of free public WiFi across the country.
The plan, to be implemented through the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA), will begin with the capital city. Minister Kharel announced that Kathmandu will receive free WiFi within two months, with coverage extended to 10 major cities within five months, and subsequently one city in each province.
The initiative is part of the government’s commitment to expanding digital inclusion and improving access to internet services for citizens. However, it must comply with existing NTA regulations, which previously deemed “Free WiFi with mobility” illegal—a decision contested by internet service providers preparing to challenge the ruling in court.
Despite regulatory hurdles, the minister emphasized that the program would move forward in alignment with national policies. The free WiFi initiative is expected to significantly enhance public access to digital services, support education, and improve connectivity in urban centers across Nepal.
