Prosperity could be achieved thru digital transformation: Minister Sharma

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has said that the government was confident prosperity could be achieved through digital transformation.

On the occasion of the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, today, Minister Sharma, also the spokesperson of the government, said that the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology was effortful to ensure the necessary policies, laws and structural development required for the digital transformation. She further mentioned that the amendment to the Telecommunications Act is being carried out by establishing good governance in the telecommunications sector with the main focus on infrastructure development in the country.

Minister Sharma informed that the situation of double and triple investment in telecommunications infrastructure has been ended and infrastructure use policy has been forwarded.

She asserted that the Information Technology and Cyber Security Bill is being drafted with priority for establishing the National Cyber Security Centre. Minister Sharma said Nepal is also working from its side by paying attention to the goals set by the United Nations for the development of the telecommunications sector.

She stressed on the importance of information and communications technology to promote social and economic development, reduce the digital divide and ensure access to ICT for all to advancing the country on the way to digital transformation of late.

According to her, increasing the use of ICT for education, health services and other social development goals, ensuring the use of ICT in a manner that is inclusive and respects human rights were essential.
She stated that Nepal has focused mainly on building digital infrastructure to fulfill the goals set by the United Nations, including increasing the use of ICT for sustainable development.

The Minister said, “Telecommunication has reached most parts of the country and broadband internet has reached most of the wards in the country. Nepal Telecom has extended internet services through fiber in 75 districts. So far more than 25 thousand kilometers of optical fiber has been extended in the country.”