Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Nepal Telecom restored its mobile data service after a technical disruption that began around 5:00 PM on December 2. While data connectivity was widely affected, voice calls, SMS and VoLTE mostly continued working. The operator has not yet released an official explanation, but services are now functioning normally for users nationwide.
Nepal’s 4G users have reached 2.59 crore, with mobile broadband penetration rising to 89%. NTC and Ncell continue to drive growth, adding over 1.11 lakh users in a month. Carrier aggregation and nationwide 4G coverage fuel adoption as Nepal prepares to sunset legacy networks and move toward commercial 5G services.
Nepal Telecom is preparing to launch 5G in Kathmandu and Pokhara, pending spectrum approval from the NTA. The operator plans selective SA-5G deployment in high-demand zones, with equipment procurement beginning once frequencies are granted. A commercial rollout is expected by FY 2082/83, marking Nepal’s first public 5G service.
Nepal Telecom will upgrade its customer call center numbers—197, 198, and 1498—on Mangsir 10, 2082, causing a brief one-hour outage from 11:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Scheduled at night to minimize impact, the upgrade aims to improve service quality. NTC apologized for any inconvenience and advised customers to call beforehand.
Nepal is closer to a long-awaited 5G auction after the regulator sent the proposal to the ministry for approval. While Nepal Telecom and Ncell prepare their rollout strategies, uncertainties persist around investment, spectrum pricing and geopolitical speculation. Experts warn Nepal risks falling behind as AI adoption rises and future devices phase out 4G support.
Nepal’s Communications Minister Jagdish Kharel has directed Nepal Telecom to improve service quality, ensure good governance, and prioritize remote regions. Launching the NT Fibre Student Offer, he praised the scheme for empowering students with affordable internet and emphasized aligning telecom operations with transparency and national progress.
Kathmandu has introduced free WiFi in 19 public areas, including hospitals, transport offices, and Tribhuvan Airport, with speeds upgraded to 150 Mbps. The project, led by Minister Jagdish Kharel and supported by NTC, WorldLink, and Vianet, expands digital access across Nepal’s capital.
Nepal Telecom rolls out free Wi-Fi across all airports in Nepal, starting with Tribhuvan International Airport, to enhance passenger convenience and promote nationwide digital inclusion.
Nepal Telecom has expanded 4G to multiple Manang localities including Pisang, Dawal, Tanki Manang, Khangsar, Koto Gaun, and Talgaun, boosting connectivity for residents, tourists, and businesses. The initiative brings high-speed mobile broadband to remote Himalayan regions and supports NTC’s goal of nationwide 4G coverage by 2082.
Nepal Telecom has launched 4G and 2G in Sarkegad Rural Municipality, Humla, covering multiple villages and wards. The rollout brings high-speed internet, HD voice, and video calling to remote areas, reinforcing NTC’s commitment to rural connectivity and digital inclusion across Nepal.