Mobile recharge validity rules hit low-income customers hardest

The Kathmandu Post

In Nepal, the convenience of mobile phones has become a source of frustration for many, particularly those with limited incomes and in rural areas. The current system, where mobile recharge validity dictates service access, disproportionately affects those who cannot afford regular top-ups. Even a small balance becomes unusable once the validity expires, effectively rendering a user's own money inaccessible.

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There is balance in the phone, but the validity has expired. Calls neither come in nor go out. Even with balance in the account, it says calls are barred. I cannot use my own property.

This issue goes beyond mere communication. With mobile numbers now linked to crucial services like banking, land records, and government applications via the Nagarik App, losing access to a SIM card due to expired validity can mean losing access to essential services. This raises serious questions about digital inclusion and the responsibility of telecom operators towards their customer base.

While neighboring India has implemented measures to ensure low-income users can maintain active SIM cards with affordable recharge options, Nepal's telecom sector appears to lag behind. The focus on subscription-based services and mandatory recharges, without concessions for basic phone users, highlights a gap in policy and corporate social responsibility. The situation demands attention to ensure that telecommunications remain an accessible tool for all Nepalis, not a luxury that can be lost due to expired validity.

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Sometimes the phone stops working because the validity expires even though balance remains. But it starts working again once I recharge Rs50.