Smart Telecom Scandal Nepal: Who is Accountable for the Rs 30 Arba Loss?

ictframe.com · 1 day ago

The Smart Telecom scandal has revealed significant financial losses for the state, estimated at Rs 30 billion, due to unpaid dues including license renewal fees and frequency charges. The company's operating permit was revoked by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority in April 2023. The case has become politicized, with allegations of repeated deadline extensions granted through political connections across multiple administrations. A conflict has emerged between the state's claim on infrastructure and commercial banks' rights to auction assets as collateral for loans.