NTA Clarifies TERAMOX Implementation Aimed at Quality Service, Not Call Tapping

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has addressed concerns surrounding the implementation of the Telecommunications Traffic Monitoring and Fraud Control System (TERAMOX), clarifying that its purpose is to enhance the quality of telecommunication services rather than intercepting calls and messages. NTA Chairman Purushottam Khanal emphasized that the technology was procured at a cost of over Rs 3 billion with the intention of ensuring credible and high-quality communication services.

Despite the availability of the TERAMOX technology, telecommunication companies have exhibited reluctance in integrating it within their operations. NCell, for instance, has connected three data centers to the system, but actual implementation is pending. Nepal Telecom also expressed reservations about adopting the technology.

Chairman Khanal dispelled misconceptions surrounding TERAMOX, refuting claims that it was introduced to covertly collect personal data and intercept communication details. He labeled such information as misleading and underscored that the primary objective was to enhance service quality for consumers.

“We have introduced TERAMOX not for collecting call details and SMS, but for the purpose of quality enhancement,” Khanal stated emphatically.

He clarified that service providers could verify the certification provided to NTA by the relevant technology company. The procurement of the technology was tailored to adhere to legal regulations, with no authority for NTA to intercept customer communications without a court order and cooperation from the respective service provider.

Addressing concerns about potential data interception, Khanal highlighted that had the technology been designed for such purposes, its cost would have been significantly higher. In response to recent media coverage, NTA released a comprehensive white paper detailing the features and functions of TERAMOX technology.

TERAMOX technology not only facilitates the monitoring of service quality but also facilitates compensation recommendations for customers. NTA further asserted that the system holds telecommunication companies accountable to both consumers and the state. The technology also monitors instances of call bypass and declined telecom services.

With a decline in the number of customers using telecommunication services, there has been a noticeable impact on the industry’s revenue. Chairman Khanal commented that TERAMOX technology could be instrumental in investigating the reasons behind declining revenue despite the growing usage of data services.

According to a report from the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police, the country incurred a loss of over Rs 12 billion in revenue from 2068BS to 2076BS due to call bypass.

In sum, NTA has reaffirmed that TERAMOX technology was procured to ensure adherence to regulations, maintain service quality, and hold service providers accountable while dismissing any notion of unauthorized data interception.