October 2003 updates

First private telco operational in Nepal
By Sushil Pandey in Kathmandu, Nepal. October 2003

United Telecom Limited (UTL), the first private telecom operator, launched its fixed line telephone service based on wireless local loop (WLL) technology in September 2003, marking the end of the three-decade monopoly of the state-owned Nepal Telecommunications Corporation (NTC). The new operator has a capacity of distributing as many as 60,000 connections in the Kathmandu Valley and, according to the company, would expand its service to 12 major cities outside the valley after three years, and distribute 500,000 connections within 10 years. UTL is a joint venture of Indian telecom giants MTNL, TCIL, VSNL and Nepal Ventures Private Limited.

Electronic Transaction Act awaits clearance
By Sushil Pandey in Kathmandu, Nepal. October 2003

The government is soon introducing a new cyber law to control and regulate electronic transactions and businesses done online. After a number of interactions and consultations with various stakeholders, a revised version of the Electronic Transaction Act has been prepared and is now waiting for clearance from the cabinet. The draft has incorporated provisions for digital signatures, proposal and acceptance of contracts, and many other topics. It is seen as the cyber law for Nepal. It will have wide implications on computer and network security, electronic transactions and content management.