KATHMANDU, May 28: Nepal’s leading private telecom services provider, Ncell, has submitted an application for a 5-year renewal of its operating license, set to expire in August this year. Established in 2004, Ncell is seeking to manage its financial obligations by proposing a staggered payment plan to the Nepal Telecommunication Authority.

The renewal fee for the upcoming 5-year period amounts to Rs 20 billion. Ncell aims to initiate this arrangement by paying Rs 4 billion in the first year. The company has formally requested the Nepal Telecommunication Authority to allow installment payments over the renewal period.

Santosh Paudel, spokesperson for the Nepal Telecommunication Authority, confirmed Ncell’s request. The Authority is considering the proposal, but the final decision will be made by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. If necessary, the matter can be taken to the Council of Ministers for a final decision, he said.