The mobile data that will be spent while using the citizen app made public by the government as a test will be free. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has taken forward the necessary process to provide the required data for the app free of cost.
The ministry has also formed a separate committee to take necessary initiatives for free mobile data. Ministry sources have informed that the details of the server have also been provided to Nepal Telecom for this.
Also, as Ncell’s system has already been integrated in the citizen app, there is no technical problem in making the data free. Discussions have also moved forward with the service providers to make arrangements for no charge for mobile data while running the citizen app.
If this feature is started, the mobile data required to use the services available in the citizen app will be available free of cost. However, to download the app, you have to go to Google and Apple’s system, so it will be charged.
A source close to the ministry told Tekpana that there was no charge for running the app after it was downloaded, although it was not immediately clear when it would be launched.
Nepal Telecom has already started the necessary homework for this. After completing the technical preparations, the telco is expected to provide free data for the citizen app by next week.
Ncell has responded that data for the app can only be made available for free for a certain month. Due to which, the discussions with Ncell have not reached a conclusion yet, said a ministry source.
The third-largest mobile service provider, Smart Cell, has not commented on the issue. Smart Telecom, which has not been able to join the citizen app, has not been given priority due to its small number of users.
Such an effort has been taken forward with the objective of establishing easy access of all citizens to the Citizen app. However, Nepal Telecom does not charge data on mobiles when using government websites connected to .gov.np.
But now for government apps, the company has been charging data at a regular rate. The government aims to provide all possible government services through this app.