“The KTN has received license for only terrestrial transmission as per National Broadcasting Regulation-2052 B. S. but not for satellite transmission,” said the ministry in a press statement on Friday. The Ministry said that it was legally and morally inappropriate to attempt for transmitting through satellite without receiving license for the same.

The MoIC said that the government had granted license for terrestrial transmission aiming at ensuring people with minimal income could also have access to the broadcast of television. The satellite transmission is out of the reach of ordinary people because they need to install expensive instruments including separate antenna (to access its transmission), the Ministry said.

The government’s perception is that nobody would be deprived of his or her rights to information, therefore, the KTN was allowed for terrestrial transmission, said the ministry.

Kantipur Television Network—that has been running its programmes for nearly last two years– is yet to respond to the clarification furnished by the government.