Are you using a mobile phone brought by a friend or friend from abroad or are you borrowing such a phone? If so, you need to know about the new rules of NTA (Nepal Telecommunication Authority).

The mobile device management system MDMS, which has been in discussion for a few years, has been put forward by the authority with a fresh plan to implement it after the 30th of Bhadra.

The authority says that MDMS will be especially useful to prevent unauthorized import or transportation of mobile phones.

However, this rule is not new. Last year too, it was supposed to be implemented from July 1, but it did not happen.

What’s in the New Testament?

According to NTA, the MDMS system will be implemented on August 30.

After that, in the case of mobile phones already registered in the authority’s system, the operation will continue as usual, while the unauthorized imported or brought from abroad by relatives but not registered mobile phones may fall under the new rules.

As per NTA, an SMS will be sent to unregistered mobiles after August 30 and they will have to register their phones by going to the authority’s website.

Why the need for a new rule?

Businessmen have been saying that if the MDMS system is implemented in Nepal, the government’s revenue will be benefited as there will be less income from evasion and non-payment of taxes.

Currently, excise duty and value-added tax are levied based on the price of the phone.

But the timing of implementation coincides with Dashain and Tihar which is particularly high-demand season for new phones and may benefit certain sellers who are advocating MDMS.

What about phones brought by friends and relatives?

However, there is no restriction on bringing a mobile phone when coming from abroad. NTA is expecting everyone to register their phones even if they are gifts brought by friends and relatives.

NTA is also planning a separate system for tourists where they might be allowed to use the mobile phones they carry for a month after they arrive here and only then ask for registration.

Experts say that the authority can easily implement MDMS only if some doubts and other technical and managerial complications are resolved.