Coordination between stakeholders is necessary to prevent disruption of internet services

The internet service was suddenly disrupted across the country from 4 pm last Thursday, and the internet was restored after about six and a half hours. When the service was stopped suddenly, it was not easy for the common people. Amidst the discomfort, the issue of why the internet was closed was found to be very complicated.

Along with many kinds of speculations, abusive language towards the government including service providers was also heard and seen. Although the public understands that the service has been suddenly interrupted, this issue has been a battle between the service providers (private sector), Nepal Telecommunication Authority and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Government of Nepal) for the past one year.

However, in today's era, when there is no internet for a limited time, when it is difficult, it is not normal for the internet service to be shut down during six hours, during office hours and even on the day of Information and Communication Technology Day.

It may be difficult to calculate how much damage was caused by the six-and-a-half-hour internet shutdown. But organizations that outsource software worth billions, banks and financial institutions, data centers, government organizations, private companies, etc. have suffered huge losses.

Who will take responsibility for the inconvenience caused to such organizations that do their business in the dispute between the ISP and the government and pay taxes to the government and heavy service fees to the internet service providers, who will pay them compensation?

Why the Internet service provider did not pay the money, why the problem has not been solved for a year is another conceivable topic. But even when the internet service providers held press conferences and complained repeatedly, the fact that the Nepal Telecommunication Authority, which is the guardian of the service providers, and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, which is also the guardian of the authority, could not resolve this issue, means that this issue is really serious.

Internet service providers are also not bathed in milk. However, parents have a great role and responsibility in solving problems and settling disputes. If the stakeholders remain stubborn like this, no one can say when and how this problem will be solved.

The government had organized an investment conference only a few days ago with great fanfare. In the conference, it was heard a lot that our country has fertile ground for investment in the communication sector. But on the third day of the investment conference, internet service was disrupted across the country. The interruption of internet service across the country may be just a coincidence, but this coincidence will surely make the local and foreign investors who are willing to invest in the communication sector to think twice.

If those businessmen who invest billions and pay crores of tax and create thousands of jobs continue to face similar problems and live without parents, it cannot be said that there will be no capital flight from the country.

The issue of this subject is under consideration in the honorable Supreme Court and when and how the decision will be made is a matter of separate debate. But it seems that the regulatory body and the government of Nepal should take immediate and swift action to prevent the internet service from shutting down, and what can be done to encourage the private sector to do business.

Therefore, it is necessary for internet service providers, Nepal Telecommunication Authority and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology to overcome their stubbornness and find an immediate solution to the problem. If this dispute continues and the internet service, which is an essential service, is interrupted again, whether it is the government or the private sector, the people will make the right assessment at the right time, the result of which may not be easy for anyone.

Last updated: Baisakh 22, 2081 19:31

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