Last Updated on November 30, 2020
Nepal prepares for the 5G network testing to make the country ready for the next generation 5G mobile network. Although few countries are launching commercial 5G networks nationwide, Nepal has just begun its efforts. NTA, the regulator has started its work to assign the required frequency spectrum for 5G in Nepal. They could assign some of the already available spectrums with technology neutrality or a completely new one for 5G.
As known, NTA has already recommended the Frequency policy determination committee to provide the spectrum to the telcos for 5G testing. Being a testing purpose only, the telcos will receive the 5G frequency spectrum for free and they couldn’t charge customers for the 5G network.
NTA has planned for spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 3600 MHz to use for 5G. The National frequency assignment committee headed by MoCIT Minister will make the decision for the assignment to the telcos.
Do checkout: All the frequency spectrum bands available in Nepal.
It is likely that Nepal Telecom and Ncell will receive the spectrum for 5G network testing. Nepal Telecom already has already done an agreement with the 4G supplier to bring 5G equipment for rollout in 4 major cities. So, they could import the 5G equipment as soon as the frequency assignment is decided. Similarly, Ncell might have also prepared for 5G internally which could elevate after the spectrum allocation.
Checkout: What are 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks?
Frequency Management Forum
To manage the already available spectrum and avail more spectrum for the 5G network, the Government had established Frequency Management Forum under the leadership of NTA board member ChudaMani Chaulagai. Other members in the forum are Mr. Ananda Raj Khanal, Senior Director, NTA, Mr. Anup Nepal, Deputy secretary, MoCIT, and Mr. Ambar Sthapit, Director, NTA.
Similarly, Mr. Pradeep Poudel, Deputy Director, NTA and each representative from Ntc and Ncell have also joined the team.
Recommended read: Do we need 5G network in Nepal?
The Forum shall perform the study for the 5G spectrum and recommend a suitable spectrum to the Frequency allocation committee. We can expect them to assign all the frequency spectrum through Auction. But this 5G spectrum assignment for testing might be done without any auction.
Tell us when do you expect to have a 5G network in Nepal, in the comment box below.
