Nepal brings OTT platforms under regulatory framework, Mandatory registration introduced for digital streaming services

KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has officially brought Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms under a formal regulatory framework, introducing mandatory registration and licensing requirements for both domestic and foreign digital streaming service providers operating in the country.

The move comes after the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology amended the National Broadcasting Regulations, 2052, extending legal oversight to OTT and digital broadcasting services that have until now largely operated outside Nepal’s regulatory system.

The amended regulations were published in the Nepal Gazette on Monday, marking a significant policy shift for Nepal’s rapidly growing digital media and streaming sector.

Foreign and Domestic OTT Platforms Must Obtain Permission

Under the revised provisions, OTT platforms providing services or broadcasting content within Nepal will now be required to obtain official approval from the government.

The new rules apply to both foreign and domestic OTT service providers, including digital streaming platforms that distribute entertainment, news, educational and other audiovisual content over the internet.

This is the first time Nepal has established a clear legal framework specifically governing OTT platforms, which have experienced rapid growth alongside expanding internet penetration and smartphone usage.

According to government officials, the decision aims to ensure that digital broadcasting services are regulated in a manner similar to traditional broadcasting platforms.

Policy Initiative Led by Communications Ministry

The regulatory reform follows policy initiatives spearheaded by Minister for Communications and Information Technology Bikram Timilsina, who had advocated bringing OTT platforms under a formal legal framework.

The ministry argued that as digital broadcasting increasingly competes with traditional television and radio services, a level regulatory playing field has become necessary.

Following months of internal consultations and policy discussions, the ministry finalized amendments to the National Broadcasting Regulations to formally recognize OTT and digital broadcasting services.

New Regulatory Provisions Added

The amendment introduces several new provisions within the broadcasting regulations.

Notably, Schedule 3(a) now includes mandatory disclosure requirements relating to:

• Foreign OTT platforms
• Downlinked digital programs
• OTT-based content distribution services

Under the new system, foreign OTT providers distributing content within Nepal must secure permission before broadcasting or distributing programs in the country.

Officials say the provision is intended to improve oversight of digital content and establish clearer accountability mechanisms for service providers.

Licensing and Fee Structure Introduced

The revised regulations also establish a detailed licensing and fee structure for OTT and digital broadcasting services.

Under the new framework:

Foreign OTT Program Downlink Fee

Foreign program producers seeking to downlink and broadcast OTT digital content in Nepal must pay:

Rs 1 million (Rs 10 lakh) per platform

OTT Signal Distribution Fee

Companies distributing signals of foreign OTT digital programs that have already received downlink approval must pay:

Rs 2.5 million (Rs 25 lakh) per OTT platform

OTT Broadcasting Service License

Operators seeking to run OTT broadcasting services in Nepal will be required to obtain a license costing:

Rs 10 million (Rs 1 crore)

Franchise and Live Broadcast Approval

Approval for foreign program franchises or live foreign broadcasts will require payment of:

Rs 500,000 (Rs 5 lakh)

Online Radio License

The amended regulation also establishes a licensing fee for online radio services of:

Rs 50,000

Addressing Regulatory and Revenue Challenges

For years, OTT platforms have operated in Nepal without a dedicated regulatory mechanism, creating challenges for authorities in areas such as:

• Tax collection
• Content monitoring
• Consumer protection
• Copyright enforcement
• Market competition
• Regulatory oversight

Government officials say the absence of clear rules made it difficult to monitor digital broadcasting activities and ensure compliance with national laws.

The ministry believes the new framework will help close regulatory gaps while ensuring that digital platforms contribute fairly to Nepal’s economy and media ecosystem.

Rapid Growth of Digital Streaming in Nepal

The regulation comes at a time when OTT consumption is growing rapidly across Nepal.

Increasing internet access, affordable smartphones and expanding mobile broadband services have significantly boosted the popularity of streaming platforms in recent years.

Consumers are increasingly relying on OTT services for:

• Movies and television content
• Sports broadcasts
• Educational programming
• News and information
• Live events
• Entertainment streaming

This shift has transformed Nepal’s media consumption landscape and intensified competition between traditional broadcasters and digital platforms.

Impact on Digital Economy and Media Industry

Officials believe the new regulations will improve transparency in Nepal’s digital content ecosystem.

The government expects the framework to contribute to:

• Better content quality standards
• Stronger consumer protection
• Improved tax compliance
• Enhanced monitoring of digital content
• Greater accountability among service providers
• Fairer competition with traditional broadcasters

The ministry also argues that bringing OTT platforms into the formal economy could generate additional government revenue while supporting the long-term development of Nepal’s digital media industry.

OTT Platforms Face New Compliance Requirements

Following implementation of the amended regulations, OTT operators currently serving Nepali audiences will be required to complete registration and licensing procedures in accordance with the new rules.

Industry stakeholders are expected to closely examine the detailed implementation guidelines, particularly regarding licensing procedures, compliance obligations, content standards and taxation requirements.

The regulation represents one of Nepal’s most significant digital media policy reforms in recent years and signals the government’s intention to establish stronger oversight of the country’s rapidly expanding digital broadcasting and streaming sector.

As Nepal continues its digital transformation, the success of the new OTT regulatory framework will likely play an important role in shaping the future of online content distribution, digital investment and media innovation in the country.