Rabindra Adhikari, the committee chair, stated that the directive was issued to the ministry as the provision of punishment may force the service providers to improve standards to meet basic standards set by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA).Announcing the committee's decision to present lawmakers, he directed the ministry to also include reward provisions for service providers providing services above the government's standards.
Lawmakers in the meeting stressed that telecommunication service providers like Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell should provide cheap and reliable services to the public.
"But none of the telecommunication and internet service providers in the country have focused on customers' satisfaction," said Baidya Nath Chaudhary, a lawmaker.
Ram Chandra Pokharel, another lawmaker, also said that some telecommunication service providers have been charging more money. "Concerned authorities should also monitor the billing performance of the providers. The public has been forced to pay more," added he.
Dibambar Jha, director general of NTA, also said that the quality of the service provided is not on par with the amount paid by public.
"Many users have complained that NTC and Ncell have been charging more than the rate set by the NTA while using data service. I also suggest the concerned authorities monitor the billing system to identify incorrect billing and take actions," said Adhikari.
The committee also directed the ministry to carry out feasibility study of the possibility of switching services from one telecommunication service provider to another without changing cell phone number.
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