Minister Timilsina Prioritizes Technology Development and Communication Sector Strengthening

Kathmandu. Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Vikram Timilsina, has stated that the government has given high priority to the development of technology and the strengthening of the communication sector. 

Speaking at an interaction program with journalists organized at the ministry, Minister Timilsina clarified that the government is committed to the implementation of 5G service, improvement of the communication sector, and promotion of good governance. 

Stating that the government is determined to bring in 5G technology, he informed that the Radio Frequency Policy Determination Committee has already determined the 3300 to 3700 MHz band for this purpose, and its base price has been set at 4 million rupees per megahertz.

Minister Timilsina stated that the Nepal Telecommunications Authority is studying the issue of bringing in a third mobile operator to increase market competition. He emphasized that responsible journalism is essential for strengthening democracy, and assured that irregularities in welfare advertisements will be investigated and the issue of minimum wages for journalists will also be prioritized. 

The government is serious about 'systemic corruption' and irregularities in the bodies under the ministry, and the investigation process for old controversial issues, including Smart Telecom, has already begun, he informed.

Minister Timilsina said that the process for the speedy appointment of vacant leadership positions in various bodies under the ministry has been initiated, and interim arrangements have been made so that work does not stop until appointments are made. He stated that qualified individuals will be selected for these positions through open competition. Furthermore, he mentioned that the government is working to resolve the problems in Nepal Telecom's billing system and to use the Rural Telecommunications Development Fund for the benefit of the public.

Speaking at the interaction, he said, 'We are currently preparing to optimize the 4G service for maximum utilization and implement 5G in the second phase. We are studying how the advertising fund can be used for the benefit of working journalists by utilizing the taxes collected from the sweat of the people. The days of middlemen or any vested interest groups misusing state property are now over. As soon as information about wrongdoing is received, state bodies will be activated for impartial investigation.' 

Minister Timilsina urged journalists to directly inform the ministry about any irregularities or problems related to it and assured that regular dialogue and suggestions will be incorporated into policy-making.