Nepal Telecom (Ntc) has revealed plans to shut down its 2G network on the 1800 MHz band, focusing its resources on expanding its 4G network. The announcement, made during the company’s 21st anniversary celebrations, is set for completion in fiscal year 2081/82. Ntc Managing Director Sangita Pahadi confirmed that this move aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance 4G capacity, following significant growth in its 4G user base, which now includes 1.64 crore users.
While 2G service on the 1800 MHz band will be discontinued, Nepal Telecom will continue to provide 2G service on the 900 MHz band, ensuring that users still have access to the legacy network. This shift is part of a global trend, as telecom companies around the world phase out older networks to prioritize more advanced technologies like 4G and 5G. With 4G making up over 90% of Ntc’s data usage and the introduction of features like VoLTE and VoWiFi, the company aims to improve service quality while phasing out outdated technology.
The refarming of the 1800 MHz spectrum will allow Nepal Telecom to allocate more resources to 4G, enhancing the overall user experience. This move underscores the company’s focus on meeting the growing demand for newer technologies and positioning itself for future 5G deployment.
