ISOC Nepal organized a pre discussion program regarding Nepal’s position at the International Telecommunication Union-ITU meeting that is about to happen in UAE Dubai from 3-14 December 2012 at Yak and yeti on 27 November, 2012. The program was attended by major stakeholders from all sides including public and private sector.
Ananda Raj Khanal member of Nepal Government’s Delegation Team said, “We will not accept any sort of policies that would increase the cost of internet or would further threaten any sort of pressure. We will be supporting the concept of open internet for all.”
Regarding the preparation of GON, he said, “We will be lobbying the common position of the Asia- Pacific Telecommunity where we have done our necessary preparation during the various visit and meetings.”
During the discussion program the participants from different sectors expressed their discontentment with the government for not organizing any sort of discussion regarding the issue as it hugely affects the use and future of internet.
The amendment of the ITU regulation is happening after more than a decade which highlights its importance and future consequences.
Speaking at the program Baburam Aryal, President of ISOC Nepal Chapter said, “We should not support the European Telecommunication Operator’s new policies or amendments during the ITU meeting as it drastically affects the use and ecosystem of the internet. The “Sending Party Network” amendment would increase the cost of internet and it would further make compulsion for the developing countries to pay money every time we downloaded any content from the internet which is not practical.
Similarly, Binay Kasyaju former Chief of the National Information Commission said, “The regulations and policies should be made to facilitate the developing countries. The policies facilitating the use of broadband service with lower cost rather than obligating and increasing its prices should be promoted.”
CAN President, Binod Dhakal also highlighted the use and effectiveness of internet in Nepal from the customer point of view.
The program also highlighted launching program of the web portal, www.internetfreedom.org.np and the Internet Freedom radio program where Binaya Kasyaju launched the programs formally. The web portal is a resource center regarding internet resources which can be accessed in Nepali as well as English where as the radio program runs simultaneously in 11 different FMs around the nation.
INTERNET & FREEDOM of EXPRESSION(Defending and strengthening Freedom of Expression on the Internet in South Asia-Second Phase) is a project implemented by Global Partners and Associates, UK where ISOC NEPAL is an implementing it here in Nepal. The main aim of the project is to Strengthen freedom of expression on the Internet in South Asia, with Focus on India, Bangladesh and Nepal.