KATHMANDU, May 6: Internet service provided by Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly being used illegally in Nepal's high Himalayan base camps, prompting the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to issue a directive to immediately halt such unauthorized operations.
The NTA's Monitoring Division said it had received information that companies facilitating mountain expeditions were offering satellite internet service in base camps without authorization. The NTA clarified that such actions violate Section 21 of the Telecommunications Act, 1997.
“The use or distribution of telecommunications (internet) services without prior permission from the Government of Nepal or a license from the NTA is punishable under the Act and other prevailing laws,” the NTA warned in a public notice.
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Although NTA did not explicitly state the use of Starlink internet, officials of NTA have reportedly pointed out the use of internet service provided by billionaire Musk’s company.
Although Starlink has expressed interest in entering the Nepali market, delays in legal reforms and lack of official commitment have held back its official entry. In December, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had a virtual conversation with Musk, and Starlink representatives had also demonstrated their services to government officials.
“We’ve received reports of unauthorized use of Starlink internet in Nepal. If not stopped immediately, we will initiate legal action. No internet service can operate in Nepal without proper authorization,” said an NTA official.
Currently, the NTA has granted satellite-based Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licenses to only two companies-Constellation Pvt Ltd and iFour Technology Pvt Ltd. Constellation serves 1,059 users, while iFour Technology has 10 customers.
