Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has approved the ‘Procedure for testing new technologies including 5G, 2078’. So, this paves the way for 5G network testing in Nepal. With this, Nepal Telecom (NTC) can finally start the 5G test in Nepal. Earlier NTC had submitted its 5G work plan to the NTA seeking the 5G spectrum. The company plans to begin its trial of 5G network by the end of Poush.
NTA 5G testing procedure provides the information regarding the types of documents that the interested company is required to submit along with the modality for the 5G testing.
Now the application has to be submitted for carrying out the test, which is governed by the work procedure developed by NTA. The company also needs to provide all the details of the frequency required for the test, like the band, bandwidth, reason for using the band, bandwidth consumption basis, etc. Likewise the telcos need to cover both rural and urban areas for testing of new technology like 5G.
In order to test the new technology, a network has to be built with installation of required hardware, software. So, It requires the completion of the import of necessary equipment and installation work within 3 months of time after the approval.
Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) can also cancel the agreement if there’s no progress seen in the import and installation within the 3 months period. Authority will provide spectrum for testing of new technology but the telco has to return it after the completion of such trial.
NTA defines the trial period to be for one year and they will waive the frequency fee during that period. During this period, they prohibit the service provider from charging any fee to the customer. So, customers, in the 5G available areas, can access the high speed data, at free of cost. All they require is a 5G supporting smartphone.
Similarly, after the completion of the test, such equipment can be utilized in the current 4G network with a permission from NTA. If not, the telco need to seal the equipment or return it to the vendor. The service providers have to submit the progress details every three months during the trial period.
While the service providers also need to cooperate with the regulator to follow their directives and provide the details they need.
Santosh Poudel, Director and spokesperson of NTA said the new procedure have paved the way for the 5G test.
“Now the service providers will apply based on the procedure and the same will govern the 5G trials. It will create an level playing field for all service providers for testing the new technologies,” he informed TechnologyKhabar. He further added, “Once the procedure is put in to operation, consumers of all the service providers will have the opportunity to access new technology/services”.
