Nepal cracks down on illegal Starlink internet at Himalayan base camps

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has issued a stark warning to mountaineering companies illegally operating Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet at base camps of Nepal’s towering Himalayan peaks, threatening legal action for unauthorized services. The crackdown highlights regulatory hurdles facing foreign telecom providers in Nepal, even as the country seeks to bolster its digital infrastructure.

The NTA’s monitoring division discovered that companies facilitating high-altitude expeditions were providing Starlink’s satellite internet without registration, violating Section 21 of the Telecommunications Act, 2053. “Such unauthorized operations are illegal. We direct all parties to cease immediately, or face penalties under the Act and existing laws,” the NTA’s notice declared. The authority emphasized that only licensed providers can offer telecom services in Nepal, underscoring strict compliance requirements.

Starlink, a global leader in satellite internet, has expressed keen interest in entering Nepal but faces delays due to pending legal reforms and government approvals. In November 2024, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli engaged in a virtual discussion with Musk, following a Starlink demonstration for Nepali officials. Despite these efforts, the lack of a regulatory framework has stalled formal operations, leaving room for illegal usage. “We’ve confirmed Starlink’s unauthorized operations. Without immediate cessation, legal action will follow,” an NTA official stated.

The NTA has authorized only two companies—Constellation Pvt. Ltd. (1,059 subscribers) and I4 Technology Pvt. Ltd. (10 subscribers)—to provide Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) services. No other providers, including Starlink, hold licenses, making their operations illegal. The unauthorized use at Himalayan base camps, critical for mountaineering logistics, raises concerns about regulatory oversight in remote areas, where connectivity is vital but tightly controlled.

The majority of internet users and providers are concentrated at Everest Base Camp, the Everest region, and other Himalayan areas above 5,000 meters, where Ncell and Nepal Telecom base towers are non-functional. Expedition companies report that internet access in these regions is exorbitantly priced, with providers holding a monopoly over internet distribution.

Nepal’s telecom sector, contributing 2.5% to GDP in 2024, faces challenges in balancing innovation with regulation. With 80% internet penetration but limited satellite service providers, the NTA’s strict stance aims to protect licensed operators and maintain order. However, experts argue that delays in approving global players like Starlink hinder Nepal’s digital economy ambitions, especially in tourism-dependent regions like the Himalayas, where reliable internet could enhance safety and operations.

Mountaineering firms, reliant on connectivity for expeditions, expressed concerns over limited legal options. “We need robust internet at base camps, but the licensed providers have limited reach,” said a Kathmandu-based operator, urging faster regulatory approvals for global services. The private sector called for clearer policies to enable lawful access to advanced technologies like Starlink.

The NTA’s warning aligns with broader efforts to regulate Nepal’s digital landscape, amid rising cybersecurity and data sovereignty concerns. Environmentalists also cautioned that unchecked satellite services could increase electronic waste in fragile Himalayan ecosystems, urging sustainable practices. As Nepal navigates its digital transformation, the Starlink controversy underscores the need for agile regulations to harness global innovations while safeguarding national interests.

With mountaineering season peaking, the NTA’s enforcement will test Nepal’s ability to balance regulatory rigor with the demands of its $1.2 billion tourism industry. Stakeholders await clarity on Starlink’s potential entry, which could reshape connectivity in Nepal’s remotest corners if legalized.