Report of the Regional Workshop - Escap

Country project proposals and actions plans
ICT for all 10
1. Introduction
The history of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in
Nepal is rather short. Nepal’s journey into the world of ICT began with the use
of IBM 1410 for the Population census of 1971. Its growth remained slow until
the beginning of the 1970s when Nepal Telecommunication Corporation
(NTC) was established in 1975. NTC, the incumbent operator, with its vast
telecommunications network can become a key player in ICT development.
NTC has kept its policy in line with the objective of providing basic telephone
services as well as other ICT services through the expansion of its network in
the rural areas, irrespective of its economical value.
The Government has a vital role to play in developing sustainable national
e-strategies in consultation with the private sector and civil society. To
provide ICT services to all in a cost effective manner is the priority. Therefore,
various joint ventures for resources, technologies, infrastructure development,
marketing strategies, networking, software parks, and research support should
be encouraged to attain this goal.
The government has formulated national IT and ICT policies in 2000
and a New Telecommunication Communication Policy in 2004. Cyber cafes
are becoming popular even in remote parts of Nepal, where telephone services
are available. Awareness of ICT is growing rapidly, both in government and
the private sector, especially in urban areas. It fosters opportunities to businessmen
and poor or disadvantaged communities. Private Banks, financial
institutions, manufacturing sector, multinational companies and public enterprises
are the main users of ICT. Local software companies are rapidly developing.
2. Stakeholder analysis
Table 12. Nepal stakeholder analysis
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10
Stakeholders Their interests Size of stakeholder
Government
Donors
Cost effective,
qualitative, regular
services
Skilled workforce
developed
More and advance
use of services,
guarantee of investment
return and
take up
Significant
Substantial but
needs widely expansion
Extent of influence
Major user
All donors use it
This project proposal was developed by Mr. Rajendra Prasad Dahal (Nepal).