Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ncell CEO Michael Foley says license uncertainty beyond 2029 is blocking major telecom investments in Nepal, including 5G and data centers. He argues that regulatory clarity and allowing Ncell to become majority Nepali-owned are essential to unlock sustainable FDI and strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure.
Ncell has proposed an IPO and higher Nepalese ownership as part of efforts to secure licence renewal beyond 2029. The operator is seeking regulatory certainty to invest in 5G and fibre, urging equal treatment with Nepal Telecom and a mutually beneficial resolution with the government.
Nepal Telecom has expanded 86 telecom towers across Jumla, Kalikot, and Mugu to improve mobile and 4G connectivity in Karnali’s remote areas. The rollout aims to extend communication services to underserved rural communities and support wider digital inclusion.
Nepal Telecom has announced a 30% cash dividend, including tax, from last fiscal year’s profits. The payout will be approved at the company’s annual general meeting on January 14, 2026, with the book closure date set for January 4, maintaining last year’s dividend level.
Nepal Telecom has launched WiFi 6 services for FTTH users, introducing new routers that deliver faster speeds, lower latency, and improved coverage. With bundled internet, telephone, and NT TV packages, the upgrade enhances user experience while helping the state-backed operator remain competitive in Nepal’s broadband market.
Nepal Telecom’s 4G expansion project faces investigation over alleged contract violations, political interference, and substandard equipment linked to Huawei. Regulators are probing procurement practices, unpaid penalties, and strategic risks after delays, missing infrastructure, and rising costs undermined service quality and accountability.
Ncell CEO Michael Foley has urged Nepal to focus on improving 4G quality before rolling out 5G. Despite high 4G device penetration, users face issues with speed, coverage, and latency. Foley said operators struggle under heavy fees and declining revenues, making 5G investment challenging without policy reform.
Nepal’s telecom regulator has given internet service providers 35 days to clear their outstanding contributions to the Rural Telecommunication Development Fund, which requires ISPs to pay 2 percent of their annual income. NTA said several companies have ignored repeated requests to submit payments and audited financial details. While the ultimatum has now been formally issued, the regulator has not yet revealed the names of the defaulting ISPs. The funds are critical for expanding telecom services in rural and remote regions.
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.