Kathmandu -Starlink, Elon Musk’s company, is not only widely used in Nepal's mountainous regions but also by individuals and organizations in Kathmandu seeking confidential communication. 

Reports indicate that some diplomatic missions in Kathmandu use Starlink services, but the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has ignored the issue despite being aware of it.

Following several reports of unauthorized Starlink use in Nepal’s mountains, the NTA issued a public notice prohibiting the use or provision of such services without authorization. However, the NTA did not specify the company involved. The notice was based on a complaint from a licensed satellite service provider, claiming these activities harmed licensed operators.

While the notice appeared to target Starlink, the NTA's spokesperson, Santosh Paudel, clarified that it addressed unauthorized services in general. The NTA neither conducted its own investigation nor plans further action, despite complaints explicitly naming Starlink.

Starlink’s services have been in use for a long time due to their affordability, extending beyond the mountains to Kathmandu. The NTA and the Ministry of Communications are fully aware of this, yet no official action has been taken, citing a lack of evidence and investigation.

Nepal lacks the technical capacity to detect or block unauthorized satellite services. Equipment enters the country via customs, but authorities cannot identify which company's devices are being used, especially when they arrive through personal channels.

Under Nepal's Telecommunications Act, services require government permission, and currently, only two companies hold such licenses. Starlink has sought a license in Nepal, and Elon Musk has discussed the matter with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. However, domestic regulations require 20% local ownership in telecom companies, aligned with Nepal's commitments to the World Trade Organization.

Starlink, which operates under a 100 percent ownership model globally, refuses to sell local shares. Consequently, Nepal’s government has concluded it cannot grant the company a license under existing laws.