The number of 4G users has reached over 2.53 crore in Nepal. At the same time, mobile broadband stands at 89.34% in market proportion, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) highlights in its latest MIS report for Baisakh, 2082.
As per the latest report for Baisakh 2082, 4G users in Nepal reach a total of 2 crore, 53 lakh, 75 thousand, 4 hundred, and 23 across Nepal. In Chaitra 2081, the official number stood 2 crore, 51 lakh, 79 thousand, 5 hundred, and 26. Tjhat means, the cellular network grew 1 lakh, 95 thousand, 8 hundred, and 97 new subscribers in a month’s period.
The numerical figures in these stats change constantly. However, Nepal continues to see growth in fourth-generation technology.
The change in figures is common, but the gist is that 4G dominates Nepal’s mobile broadband scene courtesy of Nepal Telecom and Ncell. They both have a strong GSM mobile service presence throughout the country and provide a range of 4G-backed data packs for their customers.
Nepal Telecom (Ntc) and Ncell both provide 4G services via their nationwide GSM mobile networks. According to the NTA report, Ntc has 1 crore, 37 lakh, 41 thousand, and 36 users. The company grew its 4G base by over 2 lakh and 37 thousand from the previous month. In Chaitra 2081, the company’s 4G users stood at 1 crore, 35 lakh, 4 thousand, and 19 users.
Similarly, Ncell is serving 1 crore, 16 lakh, 34 thousand, 3 hundred, and 87 users on its 4G network as of Baisakh 2082. In Chaitra 2081, the private telco had 1 crore, 16 lakh, 75 thousand, 5 hundred, and 7 users. That means, it saw a loss of over 41 thousand 4G users between the two months.
The fluctuations in statistics are common, but 4G is the best Nepal has to offer. So, both companies may recoup their users in the coming months.
Both NT and Ncell provide 4G SIMs by default, which has further helped expand 4G connectivity in Nepal. These SIM cards also support VoLTE, which provides HD calls. Currently, both NT and Ncell are at work on the 5G network in Nepal, while the exact timeline for the commercial launch is not known yet.
Both Ntc and Ncell have a profound impact on Nepal’s telecommunication industry. They play a significant role in the country’s digital transformation and connectivity. However, their service quality can still improve. Judging by NTA’s drive test reports, the two companies can do more to enhance their voice and data services to a satisfying extent.
Dependency on connectivity is not a luxury now, but a need, and 4G elevates our ways of life thanks to its high-speed capacity. From paying on smartphones to video-calling, VoLTE, etc., the advanced mobile broadband service has transformed lives. We just need more improvement to unlock more fruits from cellular technology.
Having said that, there are still some users who do not wish to enjoy the 4G connectivity and stick with older technology like 2G, and 3G. The reasons include less awareness of 4G, up to 2G/3G support on their mobile, old phones (not supporting 4G), Old SIM, blaming 4G for using more battery and data volume, etc. at a time when we are contemplating whether it’s time to quit 3G.