Ncell Pays More Than Rs 4.96 Arba in License Renewal Fees and Interest

Kathmandu, August 19, 2026: Ncell Axiata Pvt Ltd has paid more than Rs 4.96 Arba to the government toward the renewal of its mobile service license, including the latest installment and accumulated interest.

According to Ncell, the payment was deposited into the Nepal Telecommunications Authority's account at Nabil Bank in Tindhara.

Rs 4.25 Arba Paid as Renewal Installment

Of the total amount, Ncell paid Rs 4.25 Arba toward the installment of its mobile service license renewal fee.

The company also cleared interest accumulated over two separate periods:

• Rs 64.926 crore in interest for 328 days from August 23, 2025, to mid-July 2026.

Together, the two interest payments amount to more than Rs 71.4 crore.

Government Allowed Renewal Fee to Be Paid in Installments

The government had allowed Ncell to pay its Rs 20 Arba license renewal fee in four installments.

In May 2024, Ncell applied for renewal and paid Rs 4 Arba as the first installment.

The government later introduced a provision requiring 10 percent annual interest on the remaining installments.

Ncell subsequently made additional payments toward the renewal obligation, including:

• Rs 3.29 Arba paid on August 22, 2025.

• Rs 2 Arba paid by the end of FY 2025/26.

• The latest payment of more than Rs 4.96 Arba, including the renewal installment and interest.

Ncell's License Renewal Has Been Controversial

Ncell's license renewal and payment arrangements have repeatedly attracted debate.

Questions have also been raised over whether private telecom operator Ncell and state-owned Nepal Telecom have received equal treatment regarding the payment of license renewal fees.

The latest payment, however, moves Ncell's renewal payment process further forward.

Ncell Has Paid Nearly Rs 375 Billion in Taxes and Fees

Since beginning operations in Nepal, Ncell says it has paid nearly Rs 375 Arba to the government through various taxes and fees.

These payments include:

• License and renewal fees

• Royalties

• Telecommunications service fees

• Income tax

• Other government charges

Ncell began its services in Nepal on September 1, 2004, under the name Mero Mobile, after receiving a GSM cellular mobile service license.