Nepal is accelerating efforts to strengthen national digital infrastructure with major focus on expanding 4G connectivity, improving cybersecurity, upgrading data centers, and reducing the country’s digital divide, according to Minister for Information and Communication Dr. Bikram Timilsina.
Speaking before the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee under the House of Representatives, the minister outlined a multi-phase national strategy aimed at improving connectivity access, particularly across remote and rural regions.
The plans reflect Nepal’s broader push toward telecommunications modernization and digital economy development as internet access and online services become increasingly important nationwide.
Nepal Accelerates 4G Expansion Across Remote Areas
Minister Timilsina said the government has prepared a one-year action plan focused on expanding 4G services through new site deployments and infrastructure upgrades to improve internet and telephone access across underserved communities.
According to the minister, 4G LTE services have already reached 750 local levels, while 2G coverage is now available across all 753 local levels nationwide.
The government is also prioritizing improvements in service quality through expanded network capacity, upgraded power systems, and enhanced infrastructure in high-traffic areas to improve internet speeds and reduce service disruptions.
Timilsina stated that Nepal will focus first on achieving effective nationwide 4G expansion before gradually transitioning toward future 5G deployment.
Broadband Infrastructure and Digital Inclusion Gain Momentum
The government plans to utilize funds from the Rural Telecommunications Development Fund, which had remained underutilized for years, to connect unserved settlements within the next year.
Nepal is also implementing the Broadband Access Network Project aimed at expanding internet infrastructure across local government offices, community schools, and healthcare centers outside Kathmandu Valley.
The initiative highlights growing recognition that digital connectivity is becoming essential infrastructure tied to education, healthcare, economic participation, and public service accessibility.
Economics
Countries across South Asia are increasingly prioritizing rural broadband expansion as part of broader digital inclusion and economic modernization strategies.
Nepal Expands Focus on Cybersecurity and IT Industry Growth
Alongside connectivity expansion, the government is strengthening focus on cybersecurity, data center modernization, and IT sector development.
Minister Timilsina said authorities are drafting regulations to place Over-the-Top (OTT) digital services under a formal legal framework as online platforms become more integrated into Nepal’s digital ecosystem.
The government is also prioritizing financial incentives and investment facilitation for Nepal’s growing IT export sector while increasing support for research and innovation initiatives.
Additional programmes tied to optical fiber expansion, public Wi-Fi deployment, frequency management, and 5G infrastructure development are also advancing.
Government Pushes Governance Reforms Across Telecom Sector
Timilsina emphasized that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward financial irregularities and abuse of authority within the telecommunications sector.
Authorities are also modernizing postal services through smart post office initiatives, expanded courier and parcel capabilities, and the development of digital postal systems.
The minister added that reforms are underway to strengthen media sector governance through the proposed Media Council Bill and future training and fellowship programmes aimed at promoting responsible journalism.
