Nepal Telecom is providing big video call discounts to people with hearing and speaking disabilities. It is a special scheme for people with speech and hearing impairments. This social welfare step of NTC is being appreciated everywhere. NTC is distributing special SIM cards to people with impairment so that they can enjoy at a lower cost. The special SIM provides special video call rates to users. In our view, it is a wonderful and thoughtful initiative. This scheme is only valid inside NTC’s own network for now. We expect other telecom companies to do the same and have agreements with each other to help spread this great initiative.
Generally, the video call rates are higher than the normal voice call rates and people with disabilities can’t use voice calls. They use sign language and video calls for communication. So it gets very expensive for people. From now on people with disabilities (PWD) will have to pay only 50 paisa or Rs 0.5/min (Except Tax) for a video call. This is a discounted rate for the special SIM from Nepal Telecom. The tariff for normal users is higher than this rate but it is no issue because most people use simple voice calls only. Moreover, people can also use data and make video call these days.
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NTC Video Call Discounts: Cheap Video Call for Person with Disability
The PWD or person with disabilities includes blindness, speaking, and hearing impairment. People who qualify for this discount should bring a certified document proving their disabilities. Customers need to submit a certificate proving disability with necessary documents such as a copy of citizenship and passport-sized photos with a few other personal details at NTC counter at the office to get the special SIM card.
Users also need to be careful during their smartphone purchases. NTC video call function works only in 3G or (WCDMA) networks. So users need to make sure they buy a 3G phone with network video all features. In our experience, only Samsung phone allows making video calls over a SIM card network without using data. Both parties need to have a Samsung phone and a 3G network. So make 100% sure of compatibility if you need video calling. For audio calling, any normal phone can work.
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The cost of the special SIM card is Rs 90 and it includes a talk time of Rs 50. NTC is also providing free GSM prepaid SIM or CDMA RUIM cards to victims of the 2062/63 People’s movement. These SIM cards are normal as others but they have special call rates. This allows people with disabilities to communicate using sign language on video calls. This is truly empowering people with technology.
In the case of people who have vision issues, they can always use normal voice call service in GSM and CDMA networks. The issue was only for people with listening and speaking disabilities. For those people, sign language is the only way to communicate. So NTC now provides cheaper ways to communicate through video for those people as well.
Free SIM Cards and RUIM Cards
Nepal Doorsanchar Company Limited (NDCL) or NTC is providing these free cards to the victims and also to fully handicapped or disabled people of the Jana Andolan. Victims and PWD should bring government-issued ID cards, one passport (PP) sized photo, and a copy of the citizenship certificate to avail of the free card. The company will be providing free SIM and RUIM cards until Magh of 2073 B.S. It is the company’s CSR program under social welfare and duties.
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This new program is believed to have a strongly positive impact on people, victims, handicapped and disabled people. The program is already a success and people are praising the move. NTC is also improving slowly by upgrading services, planning for 4G, FTTH initiation, and introducing services like pre-paid data packs.
