The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has announced that it will provide 5G licenses to Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell upon their request, granting approval within a week of receiving their applications. NTA Chairman Bhupendra Bhandari made this announcement during an event organized by the Society of Economic Journalists Nepal (SEJON) in Kathmandu.
Both NTC and Ncell are planning to roll out commercial 5G services. NTC has already conducted 5G trials in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other cities, with the potential to expand soon. Meanwhile, Ncell has expressed readiness to start 5G operations as well. Bhandari’s statement offers an exciting prospect for both companies, although the substantial costs associated with the next-generation technology pose challenges.
In response to concerns about Nepal’s preparedness for 5G, Bhandari clarified that telecom companies can obtain 5G licenses in just a week. He also noted that the authority could grant companies access to the 2100 MHz band spectrum, which is essential for 5G networks in Nepal. While a nationwide 5G rollout may not be possible immediately, the NTA plans to begin the rollout in eight cities as part of the first phase.
What Does This Mean for NTC and Ncell?
Ncell could have a significant advantage as it has already expressed a desire to start 5G. The company could soon obtain the necessary approval from the NTA. However, Ncell CEO and MD Jabbor Kayumov acknowledged that the company faces significant investment costs, estimating around Rs 70 billion for the 5G network.
On the other hand, NTC is also positioning itself to launch 5G services soon. NTC began its 5G trials on Magh 22, 2079, to coincide with its 19th anniversary, but the trials were halted due to the lack of 5G phones. With 5G phones now widely available, NTC is expected to move forward with its 5G plans, using its existing 4G infrastructure (Non-Standalone 5G), which will help reduce expenses.
When Can NTC and Ncell Launch 5G?
With the NTA making it easier for companies to obtain 5G approval, both NTC and Ncell are expected to launch 5G services soon. Sources suggest that NTC could roll out 5G commercially for the public within a month, while Ncell is likely to follow suit in early 2082.
Many users who have already purchased 5G phones are eagerly awaiting high-speed internet access. The 5G trials conducted by NTC indicated that the service could deliver download speeds of up to 1 Gbps, although real-world usage may vary. Nevertheless, 5G speeds will be significantly faster than 4G, offering a better browsing experience.
As the NTA, NTC, and Ncell work together on the 5G rollout, we can expect Nepal to experience the next level of mobile internet technology in the near future.
