Kathmandu, Nepal, August 1st – Brace yourselves, Nepal Telecom (NTC) users! Starting at 11 PM tonight, several key services offered by the state-owned telecommunications provider will be temporarily unavailable for a period of four hours. This interruption comes as NTC undertakes a major upgrade of its billing system, a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and customer experience in the long run.
The suspension will affect a wide range of services, including mobile networks, internet, and fixed-line telephony. This announcement has raised concerns and discussions among users, with many taking to online forums and social media platforms to express their thoughts and seek more information.
What services will be affected?
The temporary suspension will primarily impact the following services:
- Balance recharge: Topping up your phone balance won’t be possible during this window.
- Package purchase: Subscribing to new data or voice packages will be unavailable.
- Customer queries: Contacting NTC’s customer service for inquiries or complaints will be limited.
However, essential communication services like mobile voice calls, data usage, SMS, PSTN/FTTH, and IPTV will remain operational, ensuring that you can stay connected with loved ones and access online content even during the maintenance window.
Why the disruption?
NTC’s decision to upgrade its billing system is part of a broader effort to modernize its infrastructure and streamline operations. The company acknowledges the inconvenience this may cause to its vast customer base. Still, it assures users that the upgrade is crucial for ensuring the smooth functioning of its services in the future.
What are people saying?
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among NTC users. While some appreciate the company’s commitment to improving its systems, others have expressed frustration over the timing of the disruption, particularly given the reliance on mobile services for various aspects of daily life.
On social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, users have raised questions about the frequency and duration of such maintenance activities. Some have also inquired about the possibility of compensation for the inconvenience caused by the service interruption.
How to prepare?
NTC has urged its customers to take the following steps to minimize the impact of the disruption:
Recharge in advance: Ensure you have sufficient balance on your phone to last through the maintenance window.
Purchase packages beforehand: If you anticipate needing additional data or voice minutes, subscribe to the relevant packages before 11 PM.
Plan your communication: Consider alternative means of communication, such as messaging apps or landlines, if you need to get in touch with someone urgently during the downtime.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by telecommunications providers in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. While technological advancements offer numerous benefits, they also necessitate frequent upgrades and maintenance, which can sometimes disrupt services.
It also underscores the importance of transparent communication between service providers and their customers to manage expectations and minimize inconvenience during such disruptions.
