Investment in Information Technology and Expansion of Digital Infrastructure Top Priority: Communications Minister

Dr. Vikram Timilsina, Minister of Information and Communications, stated that the government prioritizes investment in expanding 4G services, building digital infrastructure, strengthening data centers, and enhancing cybersecurity. He informed that in the upcoming fiscal year, plans are in place to accelerate network expansion, infrastructure reinforcement, and improvement of service quality.

Minister Timilsina mentioned that the process of creating regulations to bring Over-The-Top (OTT) services under legal oversight is underway, and efforts are ongoing to address challenges in the journalism sector through the Media Council Bill. He emphasized that ending the digital divide is a top priority, with immediate, medium-term, and long-term plans being advanced to achieve this goal.

He revealed that the government has a clear action plan to expand 4G coverage further, establish new sites, and develop necessary infrastructure within a year to provide services even in remote areas. So far, 4G LTE service has been extended to 750 local units across the country, and 2G services have already been expanded to all 753 local units.

Minister Timilsina also provided updates on efforts toward modernizing postal services. Initiatives such as establishing smart post offices, expanding government courier and parcel services, and developing a digital postal system have been launched and are progressing.