Nepal’s 4G network has crossed a significant milestone, now serving over 25.37 million users, according to the latest MIS report by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) for Baisakh 2082. The report highlights that mobile broadband holds an 89.34% share of the market, underscoring 4G’s dominant role in the country’s telecommunications landscape.
Between Chaitra 2081 and Baisakh 2082, Nepal’s 4G subscriber base grew by approximately 195,897 users—from 25,179,526 to 25,375,423—reflecting steady monthly growth in adoption of fourth-generation technology.
The rise in 4G users is primarily driven by Nepal Telecom (Ntc) and Ncell, the country’s two major GSM network providers. Both companies offer a variety of 4G data plans and utilize carrier aggregation (CA) technology, which enhances network performance by delivering faster speeds, reduced interference, and lower latency for users.
Nepal Telecom and Ncell Lead 4G Growth
According to the NTA report, Nepal Telecom commands the largest share of 4G users with 13,741,036 subscribers in Baisakh 2082—an increase of over 237,000 users from the previous month’s 13,504,019. Meanwhile, Ncell’s 4G user base stood at 11,634,387 during the same period, marking a decline of around 41,120 subscribers from 11,675,507 in Chaitra 2081.
| Telecom Company | Baisakh 2082 Users | Chaitra 2081 Users | Monthly Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal Telecom (Ntc) | 13,741,036 | 13,504,019 | +237,017 |
| Ncell | 11,634,387 | 11,675,507 | -41,120 |
Though fluctuations in subscriber counts are common, both providers continue to dominate Nepal’s 4G market and are expected to recover any losses in subsequent months.
Expanding 4G Coverage and Technology
Both Ntc and Ncell issue 4G SIM cards by default, helping to widen access to high-speed mobile broadband across Nepal. These SIMs support VoLTE (Voice over LTE), enabling HD-quality calls and enhancing overall user experience.
Looking ahead, both telecom giants are actively working on launching 5G services, though no official commercial rollout timeline has been announced yet.
Challenges in Service Quality and User Adoption
Despite the impressive growth in 4G adoption, the NTA’s drive test reports indicate room for improvement in voice and data service quality. Nepal Telecom and Ncell are urged to continue enhancing network reliability and speed to meet growing user expectations.
Some segments of users remain reluctant to switch to 4G, citing factors such as lack of awareness, incompatible devices that only support 2G or 3G, older SIM cards, concerns about higher battery and data consumption, and general resistance to change. With Nepal Telecom planning to phase out 2G on the 1800 MHz band and Ncell preparing to switch off 3G by 2026, the country is moving decisively toward a 4G-and-beyond future.
The Role of 4G in Nepal’s Digital Transformation
4G connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity in Nepal’s digital age, enabling activities ranging from mobile payments to high-quality video calls. Its high-speed capacity continues to revolutionize how Nepalese people communicate, work, and access services.
As Nepal transitions fully into 4G and prepares for 5G, telecom providers are expected to play a vital role in the country’s broader digital transformation by improving infrastructure, raising awareness, and ensuring better quality of service.
