To understand the importance of Internet governance forum first we have to understand the internet ecosystem. The Internet ecosystem is the overall process of connection, Policies, Infrastructure and network of cable that’s makes possible communication and data transfer in a feasible safe and sound environment . It is the overall system that works from the first end to the last end connecting and providing information to individual users. In Nepal if we look at our ecosystem their are basically three major Stakeholders
1.Nepal Telecommunication Authority (Regulator)
2. Internet Service Providers
3. Users
1. NTA is solely the government body to monitor the Nepal’s Internet ecosystem. Its role is diverse and dynamic to safeguard and to secure the rights each user.
Major role
-Policy making
-Monitoring mechanism
-Researching and development
-Infrastructure Development
-Standardization
Problems It has been very lame in its approach in creating better opportunities. It is happy with its MIS report which it securely produces every month and its job is done.
Especially looking at the technology and policies it is satisfied with the system with two major telecom which pays an annual 2.5 billion as a revenue which is more than enough so it is least bothered about the industry.
-Laid back attitude
-Least bothered
-No sense of standardization
2. ISPs are the local partners who use the infrastructure to distribute the data and keep a close relationship with the regulator and individual user. They are the coordinating links in between the regulators and user. Thus standardization is the epitome of their practice which works in the system.
Major role -Provide service to public
-Follow rules and policy of regulator
-Create effective environment of internet ecosystem
Problem ISPs are the coordinating links in the chain. If the regulator fails to monitor the ISPs they become careless and that is what is happening here in Nepal. There is no check and balance system, almost 90% of the ISPs in Nepal get their bandwidth from 3rd party India and they are least bothered about QoS and the regulator. The regulator on the other hand say’s they cannot lease out the spectrum as the price of renewation is very high so the local private ISPs cannot support the cost and they have no option. Currently there are majorly two telecoms Nepal Telecommunication Corporation and Ncell which have been monopolizing the industry.
-No quality of standard
-Monopoly
-Lack of standardization
3. Individual Users are the end user group who are the target. The whole internet ecosystem moves around them. Internet is dynamic and has adopted as a basic right in such condition individual users are the utmost important aspect of any ecosystem which needs to be understood. User pay their hard earned money to run this system and their satisfaction should be the ultimate goals.
Major roles-High optimization
-Cooperation with the ecosystem
Problem -Lack of awareness
-Low quality of service
Above I have mentioned the various stakeholders of internet ecosystem, to understand the role of IGF, we need to understand the roles and functions of all the stakeholders of internet ecosystem. IGF is a broad platform where all the stakeholders come together to create better possibility of opportunities. As dynamic as the internet IGF with multi-stakeholder approach is the only solution to adapt the dynamics of Internet.
Reasons for why Nepal IGF is needed ?
1. Standardization in terms of policy and monitoring mechanism
2. We need quality of standards in terms of internet
3. Less expensive internet
4. Adaptability in terms of technology
5. Cyber Security and governing policies
6. Capacity building and knowledge sharing
7. Multistakeholder environment
8. Effective and efficient internet ecosystem
9. Development and utilization of proper infrastructure
10. Increase access and reach
11. Possibilities of development and growth
