June 7:  Two internet service provider companies have shown interest on expanding broadband internet in Karnali region. Two companies including Mercantile Communication and WorldLink have submitted proposals on the tender bidding sought by Nepal Telecommunication Authority in a bid to expand broadband internet in eight various districts of Karnali.

NEA called out the tender bidding on April 20 to prepare broadband network and provide access connectivity of internet in Karnali region. NEA had given deadline till June 4 for the companies to submit the proposals.

For that matter, the telecommunication authority has divided Karnali, the eight districts region in two packages. It had called out the bidding proposals not exceeding Rs 370 million for the first package and Rs 460 million for the second package. As per NEA, it has included Humla, Jumla, Mugu and Dolpa in the first package and Kalikot, Rukum, Jajarkot and Rolpa in the second package.

WorldLink, in its proposal, has bidden Rs 270 million for the first package and Rs 370 million for the second package. The internet service provider has also submitted a separate correspondence clarifying that it can provide 25 percent and 30 percent concession on the first and second package respectively.  According to the concession proposal submitted to NEA, WorldLink is ready to develop the broadband network with Rs 202.5 million and Rs 238 million respectively for the packages.

Similarly, Mercantile Communication has proposed Rs 220 million for the first package and Rs 280 million for the second package. Meanwhile, NEA is set to select the internet service provider that has strong is technically knowhow and seeks minimum funding.