State-owned Nepal Telecom (NTC) is preparing to launch 5G services in Kathmandu and Pokhara, marking Nepal’s first public rollout of the next-generation network. The company is currently awaiting spectrum allocation from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority to begin equipment procurement and final deployment.
NTC’s Acting Managing Director Sabina Maskey Pradhan confirmed that the operator is fully ready to move ahead once frequencies are approved. She told BBC Nepali that the company will start the procurement process immediately after receiving the required radio waves.
Spectrum Policy Under Review
The regulator is working on a policy decision to allocate free spectrum for a proof-of-concept 5G trial, something not covered under current rules. NTA spokesperson Pradip Paudyal said the ministry has initiated steps for a policy revision, while spectrum pricing will be finalized by the Frequency Policy Determination Committee, where Radhika Aryal also serves as a member.
Initial Rollout in High-Demand Zones
NTC plans to activate 5G in selected high-traffic and congested areas—such as Basantapur in Kathmandu—where 4G capacity frequently becomes saturated. Pokhara will follow a similar selective deployment model. The initial rollout will cover only limited locations to gain technical experience before wider expansion.
Standalone (SA) 5G Preferred
NTC is leaning toward deploying Standalone 5G, which provides true 5G performance without relying on 4G architecture. Pradhan said NSA would offer limited benefits, whereas SA brings higher speeds, better latency, and improved user experience. Early reports suggest potential peak speeds of up to 1 Gbps under ideal conditions.
Tariffs Not Decided Yet
5G pricing will be determined later. For now, NTC is focused on technical rollout and performance success. While prices may reflect higher infrastructure costs, the operator is expected to maintain affordability in line with national digital-inclusion goals.
Expected Launch Timeline
If spectrum is allocated soon, NTC will import the necessary equipment and begin installation. The launch could occur by the end of FY 2082 or early 2083, depending on regulatory decisions and procurement timelines.
Nepal Telecom previously tested 5G in 2079 BS but could not commercialize it due to limited 5G devices—an issue that has since improved significantly.
