'We are launching aggressive campaign to promote data business' - Nepal Telecom

The revenue of most of the mobile phone operators across the world is increasing lately due to contribution made by data business. The state-controlled Nepal Telecom (NT), which is facing fierce competition from private operators, is also coming up with an aggressive strategy to promote data sales. Republica caught up with Anup Ranjan Bhattarai, chief of NT´s Wireless Telephone Directorate, to discuss NT´s plan of raising data revenue and expanding wireless services, among others. Excerpts: Although CDMA service is considered appropriate for places with difficult terrain, NT has not been able to increase its customer base in rural areas. Why? NT launched CDMA service in 2005. Due to its growing popularity, the CDMA platform was operating in full capacity by 2010. Although we had initiated the process of expanding the capacity of CDMA platform in 2010, it took us quite some time to complete the work because of bureaucratic hurdles. Under the upgraded CDMA network, customers can gain access to services similar to those provided under GSM technology. What initiatives did you take to expand CDMA service since you were put at the helm of Wireless Telephone Directorate? Expanding network has been our top priority. We have set a target of expanding our services across the country within October. What benefits will customers get from IP-CDMA service? The main attraction of IP-CDMA is high-speed internet service. Using this platform, we can provide 3.1Mbps internet service in all towns, emerging towns and major village business centers across the country. This technology allows customers to view YouTube videos and transfer huge files through the internet. We think this service will pave the way for promoting e-governance, e-education, mobile banking service, telemedicine and other internet-related services in rural and remote areas. Is NT expanding IP-CDMA service in urban areas as well? IP-CDMA service will not be limited to rural areas. We are also expanding service in urban areas with the target of providing mobile broadband service. Through this, urban customers can gain access to faster internet service. Don´t you think NT is lagging behind in terms of earning revenue from data service? We have acknowledged the fact that data business has started making greater contribution to revenue collection of mobile phone operators. We are currently focusing on providing quality service even at times when demand for data goes up. We are currently providing CDMA, ADSL, Wi-Max, 2G, 3G and GSM services. NT will come up with an aggressive plan at the beginning of next fiscal year to promote data business. It is said that NT cannot implement programs on time because it is a state-controlled company. Is it true? As a state-controlled entity we are compelled to follow government rules and regulations. Although telecommunications business is of different nature, we still have to follow all the processes that apply to other government agencies. We also have no option but to select the lowest bidder while selecting contractors. Do you expect the situation to improve once a strategic partner enters NT? NT will not benefit from the entry of a strategic partner unless changes are made to the public procurement law, which compels us to choose the lowest bidder while handing out contracts. We have to simplify this system and fully utilize the expertise of the strategic partner so that we can leave our competitors behind