CAN Federation against NEA’s decision to hike rental charge of utility poles

KATHMANDU: The Federation of Computer Association of Nepal (CAN Federation) has urged the government bodies concerned to adopt flexible policies to check the possible rise in internet prices being sought by the internet service provider (ISP) companies.

The ISPs have been looking to increase their prices by Rs 150 to Rs 300 per subscriber, showing the pretext of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)’s move to increase the rental charges of its electricity supply poles. In this regard, the Internet Service Provider’s Association of Nepal has moved Nepal Telecommunications Authority seeking the final approval of the regulator.

The government has planned to take the economy to digitization by extending the internet services across the country. According to the CAN Federation, billions of rupees have been invested in a public-private-participation model to achieve the target. Similarly, many sectors including education, banking, big industries and health, among others, now depend on online platforms to carry out their businesses after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. “It has also helped the government to meet its revenue target along with boosting economic activities,” reads a press release issued by the CAN Federation.