Nepal Moves into Digital Technology

Release Date:2016-09-12 Reporter: Ye Mu Click:

 

Ministry of Information and Communications is governmental body of Nepal that manages postal services, telecommunications, broadcasting, press & information and film development in the country. Nepal Telecom, a state owned telecommunication service provider in Nepal, is the sole provider of fixed line, ISDN and leased-line services with more than 10 million users in Nepal. Recently, ZTE Technologies interviewed Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya, secretary of MOIC and chairman of the board of Nepal Telecom. He shared with us the development of telecom sector in Nepal, major milestones of Nepal Telecom, current status of Nepal Telecom's network, his criteria to choose suppliers, 4G strategy and plans for smart city. He also talked about his expectations for ZTE and his vision for Nepal's telecom sector.
 
How can MOIC accelerate the development of telecom sector in Nepal?

The main objective of the Ministry is to develop and expand the information and communication sector to the rural level in the form of infrastructure for social and economic development through wide spread participation of the private sector as well with emphasis on the dissemination of information and communication technology.
Also, the Ministry plays its roles to make the information and communications sector active so as to preserve various aspects of national identity and significance, as well as to secure people's participation, international cooperation and goodwill in the process of all round development of the nation by creating public awareness.
To develop telecom sector further in Nepal, MOIC brings a favorable regulatory framework with proper licensing, which enables telcos of Nepal to leapfrog on the latest communication technologies using minimum capital investment and operational expenses. Technology neutral on licensed frequencies, infrastructure sharing, usage of rural telecom development funds are main areas where MOIC is serious.
 
What are some major milestones that Nepal Telecom has achieved?

Nepal Telecom is a state-owned telecom service provider. It has been providing almost all licensed telecom services in Nepal and serving all parts of the country. From its inception, started with magneto system, central battery (CB) exchange and cross bar system, Nepal Telecom made a strategy to move into digital technology. Over the last 25 years, all transmission networks, such as microwave, satellite and fiber, are based on digital technology.
Currently, Nepal Telecom is providing PSTN service through digital exchanges, cellular mobile service on CDMA 1X and EVDO, and 2G and 3G GSM. It is in the process of migrating its TDM-based PSTN system to IP-based PSTN service, which incorporates voice, data and multimedia services. Nepal Telecom will leapfrog to the latest 4G-based wireless services–LTE very soon. Now, a transmission network  for 4G services is under construction.
 
What is current status of Nepal Telecom's network? What challenges do you face as per your role?

The demand for more networks is increasing and the customer expectation for better quality is growing rapidly. The major challenge of Nepal Telecom is to implement projects on time to meet customer expectations. We have prepared a detailed work plan to complete our targets.
 
What criteria do you use to select suppliers? How will you improve the supplier management?

Nepal Telecom is following procurement guidelines and procedures approved by the government of Nepal.We have a standard procurement process by which equipment and partners are evaluated and selected based on experience of system implementation and quality of products.
Our past experience shows that major projects implementation is delayed due to various reasons. Besides natural disasters and disturbances in the country, we have noticed that some suppliers are deviating from commitments signed in the contracts. There are various reasons for this, which will be addressed in our new contracts.
 
As 4G is expected to be implemented soon in Nepal, what is your strategy to deploy 4G?

With growing demand for data services, the next solution is to move to 4G deployment. Taking technological advantages of the existing 3G service, Nepal Telecom is planning to move forward by deploying 4G services in the country. For this purpose, Nepal Telecom has been conducting study visits, participating in various 4G/LTE forums and discussing with solution providers for an efficient and effective rollout of LTE services in the country.
 
Do you have any plan for deploying smart city solution in Nepal?

The government of Nepal has set a national agenda to develop smart cities. As per the budget, a master plan will be prepared to develop Kathmandu, Lumbini and Nijgadh as smart cities.
Moreover, the government of Nepal has plans for developing modern satellite cities in different parts of mid-hill highway in the country. Nepal Telecom is planning to provide connectivity to those cities through optical fiber links. Ten cities in southern belt (Terrai) will be enhanced to make modern cities with modern facilities, like communication infra, green city, and smart city.
 
How do you evaluate ZTE's team and solution? How would you like ZTE to contribute to Nepal Telecom's network solution?

ZTE has been providing core and network systems to Nepal Telecom mainly in GSM and CDMA services for a long time.
To upgrade and enhance the capacity, increase the network quality and deploy new technologies of next generation, ZTE provides a landmark cooperation in which Nepal Telecom and ZTE can both get benefits in terms of time, resources and technologies by working together in this sector. Quality of products and quality of service are expected with more commitments on action.
 
What is your vision for the future of telecom sector in Nepal?

Telecom sector is growing fast and changing overnight. To provide quality services and deploy the latest technologies in this sector, MOIC is always providing guardianship to Nepal Telecom for delivering quality service to its customers. Therefore, the sole vision of the MOIC is to lead telecom sector in Nepal by providing innovative ideas and the latest technologies.