Nepal, May 6 -- Internet service provided by Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly being used illegally in Nepal's high Himalayan base camps, prompting the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) to issue a directive to immediately halt such unauthorized operations.

The NTA's Monitoring Division said it had received information that companies facilitating mountain expeditions were offering satellite internet service in base camps without authorization. The NTA clarified that such actions violate Section 21 of the Telecommunications Act, 1997.

"The use or distribution of telecommunications (internet) services without prior permission from the Government of Nepal or a license from the NTA is punishable under the Act and other prevailing law...