The number of 4G users has surpassed 2.22 crore in Nepal. At the same time, mobile broadband has reached 76.23% in market proportion, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) highlights in its latest MIS report for Ashar, 2081.
The NTA report shows that the number of 4G users reached two crore, twenty-two lakh, thirty-two thousand, and four hundred and sixteen in Nepal as of Ashar, 2081. The stats marks a slight decrease in the figures by two lakh, forty thousand, and twenty five. That means, till Jestha 2081, the report indicated two crore, twenty four lakh, seventy two thousand, four hundred and forty one connected to the 4G broadband network.
4G users in Ashar, 2081 | 4G users in Jestha, 2081 | Difference |
22,232,416 | 22,472,441 | 240,025↓ |
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. Also, both provide carrier aggregation (CA) technology for their 4G users which further enhances users’ 4G experience with faster data speeds, low interference and latency.
Check out: 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G all explained [2024]
Both Ntc and Ncell dominate the 4G landscape in Nepal
Ntc and Ncell both provide 4G services via their nationwide GSM mobile networks. The state-backed telecom company Ntc boasted one crore, fifty-two lakh, eighty-one thousand, nine hundred, and thirty-seven 4G users as of Ashar, 2081. It’s an increase for the company of one lakh, twenty-four thousand, one hundred and twenty-four subscriptions from Jestha of the same year.
Similarly, the private telco Ncell had sixty-nine lakh, fifty thousand, four hundred and seventy-nine users on its 4G network till Ashar 2081. Unlike Ntc though, the private telco saw its 4G base decrease slightly by three lakh, sixty-four thousand, one hundred and forty-nine subscriptions. Here are the numerical stats of both the companies from Ashar and Jestha, 2081.
Telecom companies | Ashar, 2081 | Jestha, 2081 | Difference |
Nepal Telecom (Ntc) | 15,281,937 | 15,157,813 | 124,124 ↑ |
Ncell | 6,950,479 | 7,314,628 | 364,149 ↓ |
Both NT and Ncell provide 4G SIM 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 for the 5G network in Nepal, while the exact timeline for the launch is not known yet.
Also read: How to Check 4G and 5G Band Support on Your Smartphone?
The need to focus on quality of service
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.
Don’t miss: Factors that affect 4G speed in Nepal
How do you rate your company’s 4G service? Do share your average 4G download and upload speed with us in the comment section below.