Nepal ISP Hidden Costs: VAT, Router Deposit, Installation and TV

Step-by-step instructions

1. Ask for a final tax-inclusive payable figure

   Request the invoice total with VAT or any applicable service tax shown explicitly. A price excluding VAT should never be compared directly with one labelled VAT-inclusive. If the seller provides only a verbal quote, ask for the same figures in a text or email that identifies the exact package and period.

2. Distinguish refundable deposits from usage fees

   An ONU or router deposit may be money you can claim back after returning equipment in good condition. That does not make the initial cash due lower, but it changes long-run cost. Ask for written refund eligibility, return location and whether damage or early termination can reduce the refund.

3. Understand router rent versus ownership

   Some providers supply a WiFi router on rental or deposit and expect it back at the end of service; others sell devices. A router suitable for 50 Mbps may not deliver a 600 Mbps plan over a crowded single-band Wi-Fi network. Confirm who replaces a failed unit and whether higher-speed hardware incurs an extra cost.

4. Check fibre drop-wire length and installation

   A local technician may need to run cable from the street pole or distribution point to your room. Ask if a certain metre allowance is included and what happens if the run needs more cable or extra building work. Never pay an unreceipted cash charge to an installer without confirming the ISP’s published rates.

5. Decide whether TV add-ons are really needed

   IPTV, DTH or set-top boxes can be useful, but every additional TV may cost equipment rental, activation or an ongoing package fee. If you do not watch the offered channels, request an internet-only price. Do not assume a bundle is free simply because the headline price includes “1 TV”.

6. Check fair-usage policy and repair fees

   An unlimited marketing label does not necessarily mean identical speed at every usage level. Ask whether FUP thresholds, temporary throttling or service-specific policies apply. Clarify whether technician visits, line relocation, or router resets incur a charge during the prepaid term.

7. Account for annual versus monthly renewal and discounts

   A Rs 12,000 twelve-month prepaid offer is not necessarily Rs 1,000 billed month by month; you may need to pay the full amount upfront. Ask whether renewal will revert to a higher rate after the promotion. Record any expiry date or non-refundable conditions.

8. Write your own all-in cost table

   List tariff, VAT, installation, router rent, deposit, TV boxes, drop wire and expected recurring charges for the first twelve months. Separate refundable deposits from actual spend. Keep both the promotional screenshot and final invoice to resolve future discrepancies or disputes.

Frequently asked questions