KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 5 Minister for Home Affairs Om Prakash Aryal has lauded Nepal Telecom's role in promoting economic prosperity by expanding access to communication services across the country. Addressing the 22nd anniversary celebration of Nepal Telecom on Tuesday, Minister Aryal said the company's role during times of crisis-such as natural disasters, earthquakes, and the pandemic-has been exemplary. He noted that with the expansion of its services, Nepal Telecom has made a significant contribution to digital services, digital literacy, and overall national development. The Home Minister further stated that telecommunication services have evolved beyond being mere means of communication and have become a vital infrastructure for educational, economic, and social development. 'Providing quality services based on the latest technology is a necessity of the times,' he said. 'Developing services grounded in new technologies while balancing public responsibility and innovation, and ensuring quality delivery, is the right of service recipients.' Emphasizing customer-centric growth, Minister Aryal remarked that satisfied customers form the cornerstone of a company's sustainable development and stressed the need for special attention in this regard. He also expressed confidence that Nepal Telecom would continue to deliver advanced, technology-driven services with a strong focus on customer satisfaction in the days ahead. Highlighting the role of public institutions as bridges between citizens and the government, Minister Aryal said Nepal Telecom would play a crucial role in strengthening citizen–government relations. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to acting as a guardian in the strengthening and development of Nepal Telecom. Also speaking at the event, Secretary at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology Laxmi Kumari Basnet stated that Nepal Telecom would expand quality services and improve access, particularly in remote and underdeveloped areas. 'Nepal Telecom will positively impact the standard of living of the general public and further enhance the effectiveness of its services,' she added. Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority Bhupendra Bhandari shared that Nepal Telecom has expanded its 4G LTE services to 749 local-level government units across 77 districts in all seven provinces. (With inputs from Rastriya Samchar Samiti)