Victims of Smart Telecom have urged Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel to take initiative in resolving long-pending issues related to tower management, house rent, and other problems.
During a meeting with the minister on Friday, they said they have been suffering for a long time and expect positive government intervention to address the difficulties created after the shutdown of Smart Telecom.
After hearing their concerns, Minister Kharel assured them that no one will be subjected to injustice.
He said, “We will not let anyone face injustice. We will consult with the regulatory bodies and take steps toward resolving the issue.”
Smart Telecom Tower Victims’ Coordinator Krishna Bahadur Thapa said,
“It has been three years since the company was shut down, but tower management has not been carried out. We have not received tower rent, and the electricity bills have not been cleared.”
According to the victims, many Nepalis lost their jobs when Smart Telecom was closed. Business owners who invested in Smart recharge cards and SIM cards have also suffered financial losses. Even after three years, they still have to pay bank interest, yet there is no clear decision regarding the refund of their investments.
The Smart Problem Resolution Group includes Smart card distributors, homeowners who hosted telecom towers, former Smart Telecom employees, and others affected by the closure.
Smart Telecom’s operating license was automatically revoked on 3 Baisakh 2080, as the company failed to submit an application for license renewal in accordance with the Telecommunications Act.
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