NT to diversify into computer software
KATHMANDU, APR 29 -
Nepal Telecom (NT) is planning to diversify into making computer software for internet service in a bid to provide improved service geared to local needs and slash expenses. The state-owned telecom giant has proposed to set up a subsidiary to handle this operation.
“The main aim of establishing the IT company is to come up with localized content, increase the quality of internet service and trim costs,” said Anoop Ranjan Bhattarai, managing director of NT.
According to Bhattarai, the global telecommunication scenario is currently shifting from voice to data, and NT is doing every bit to take the lead in data services.
NT officials said that the company’s entry into the software industry would help develop the information communication technology sector in the country. It has also made investments in the hydropower sector as part of its diversification efforts.
The creation of local content will also help to reduce the amount of money going abroad for bandwidth costs, said NT. After the formation of the company, NT aims to produce educational videos besides pursuing a number of other initiatives and promote the use of cloud computing in the country. NT said that it would want to have a private sector partner in the proposed IT company but it would keep a majority stake.
The proposal to open a subsidiary has reached NT’s board of directors. It was prepared as per the recommendations of a taskforce set up
to study the viability of the project and make recommendations.
NT Spokesperson Gunakeshari Pradhan said the details would be divulged after the report was passed by the committee.”
Meanwhile, NT has created 175 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country in a bid to tap into the data market. According to Bhattarai, NT plans to expand the hotspot service to all 75 district headquarters and major cities in the near future.
NT has put money in the 456 MW Tamakoshi and Trishuli 3B hydro projects. While it has offered to lend Rs 6 billion to the Upper Tamakoshi project, it has pledged to finance 30 percent of the cost of the Trishuli 3B project. “Hydropower projects are a must even for the development of NT,” said Bhattarai. “Both the investments we have made are safe.”
NT has been complaining that its quality of service has been affected by random power cuts. NT officials also revealed that several initiatives were underway in the Kathmandu valley for the betterment of the recently upgraded 3G service.
The newly improved 3G BTS towers have enhanced NT’s service across the valley, it said, adding that around 100 more 3G BTS towers would be erected in the valley in the near future.
“Apart from this, 50 BTS towers are being installed in areas from where we have been receiving complaints about voice and data service,” said Bhattarai.
As of mid-February 2014, NT has distributed a total of 10.06 million telephone lines.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
