Telecom regulator bans lucky draw schemes

The telecom sector regulator has directed the telecom service providers not to launch any lucky draw schemes that benefits only few customers. But the operators are free to launch schemes that equally benefit all the consumers.

Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) today issued an interim directive to telecom companies and internet service providers (ISPs) asking them not to bring and stop – if they have been running any – lucky draw scheme, after it received many complaints about the lucky draws.

The directive is expected to discourage telecom service providers from attracting customers to spend more on the services, instead focus on quality service and tariff, the regulator said, adding that the directive will remain effective until the Nepal Telecommunications Authority board comes up with a new decision.

The telecom authority has formed a committee – led by deputy director of NTA Arjun Ghimire – that will prepare the guidelines for the schemes.

In absence of the chairman in the telecom regulator, it has been unable to take policy level decision.

The lucky draw schemes of telecom service providers will be discontinued.