If you still use the 3G network on your mobile phone in 2024, then you may now have reasons to leave it. That is because 4G is nearly available in most parts of Nepal and it surpasses user experience on previous networks by a mile. So, this article explores the top 5 reasons you may still be stuck on 3G but may cancel out the legacy network once and for all.
Let’s start with a bit of history here. Nepal Telecom (NTC) launched 3G in May 2007 and gradually expanded it countrywide. Likewise, Ncell launched its 3G network in October 2010 followed by aggressive extension all over the country. So, it’s been 17 years since the old-generation network continues to serve mobile users in Nepal even though 4G has transformed the country’s digital landscape.
3G, the successor to the 2G cellular standard. Post its launch, users suddenly were able to video calls, browse social networks much faster, and even download files quickly. It was a revolution for the mobile service landscape before 4G completely transformed the game. But despite 4G being almost all over us, 3G remains in existence.
Also recommended: 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G explained in Simple terms [2024]
3G is still in use in Nepal but wait …
Probably, the biggest reason that 3G is still hanging around is because the operators haven’t phased it out. So, cell towers in Nepal still emit signals for 3G services and mobile devices get them. Of course, there are other reasons that are sensible and avoidable too. We come to that later below. But let’s stay within the sentence topic here. Your phone does and can connect to the ubiquitous 3G network quite easily, if not it is already on it.
You can check it out yourself. You may see a 3G mobile signal on the status bar on your smartphone as you might have forced it from your preferred network type. Additionally, you can also force to 4G by going to Settings > SIM cards and mobile networks > Choose a SIM > Preferred network type > Prefer LTE or 4G (Steps may slightly vary by brand, phone models, and OS).
So, millions of Nepali mobile users are or can use 3G on their devices. However, there are key data that subdue this otherwise encouraging stat. We find more below.
There are several variants of 3G with advancement in data speed: HSPA, HSPA+, or HSDPA (showing H or H+ signs), which are all dwarfed by 4G.
3G from contribution to its growing irrelevancy in 2024
Let’s not underestimate the contributions of 3G though. Despite being succeeded by 4G in 2017, it did improve data services on mobile devices, as compared to 2G. It doesn’t provide data speed as fast as 4G, but it brought us video calls, video streaming, and internet browsing smoothly.
But coming in 2024, things have changed. You can’t expect 2K/4K video consumption, smartphone gaming, and simultaneous internet-based usage on 3G. In times of VoLTE, 3G’s voice feature remains only a distant alternative in terms of quality.
You may want to read this: Why Smartphone Vendors Lock 5G Support on Their Phones?
3G users in Nepal and the truth
According to NTA’s latest MIS report, there are still seventy-two lakh, thirty thousand, and eight hundred twenty-seven 3G users across Nepal, 24.69% against the total population penetration proportion. This indicates that despite the advent of 4G, its growing user base in Nepal, and its almost nationwide expansion, the third-generation network remains prominent, at least in terms of subscribers.
The total 3G figure is shared between Nepal Telecom (NTC/NT) and Ncell, a government-backed enterprise and a private entity, respectively. NT boasts fifty-six lakh, thirty-two thousand, and eight hundred thirty-five 3G users. On the other hand, Ncell has fifteen lakh, ninety-seven thousand, nine hundred and ninety-two user base on the same network.
| Telecom operators | 3G users |
| Nepal Telecom | 5,632,835 |
| Ncell | 1,597,992 |
| Total | 7,230,827 |
| Percent | 24.69% |
But despite the big number, 3G only nearly accounts for 10 to 12% of mobile data traffic. This shows that despite the figure, 3G contribution to users and its data usage is extremely low to acknowledge in today’s data-ridden times.
So, how and why are you still using 3G in 2024 in Nepal?
The answer may draw some obvious and some rather odd reasons. Some users including you may have no option but 3G for data and voice, while others may see it only in a handful of situations, like while placing a call. Here are those possible reasons.
1. Unavailability of 4G network
You may be using 3G because there is no option to connect to the 4G network. This is more apparent in some specific areas and highways where both NT and Ncell haven’t upgraded their cell towers to 4G. So, the only latest network your phone connects to the 3G.
NT has 4G across 98% local levels in Nepal while Ncell also boasts a wide coverage. However, many users are limited to either 2G or 3G also called legacy networks in many parts of the country. Having said that, it’s not a prime reason why Nepal still has millions of users on 3G, as 4G is already ubiquitous in Nepal.
2. Operators haven’t phased it out
Another reason 3G continues to exist is mobile network operators (MNOs) haven’t shut it down. So, that means, if the network is available, it remains one of the options for mobile users to connect to even though faster and more versatile 4G can be established.
We have been assuming that 2G or 3G network shutdown may occur sometimes, but Nepal seems a few years away from being able to do so.
3. It becomes active during calls
Have you ever noticed that while you are on 4G, and you place a call, your mobile network comes down to 3G (HSPA+ or HSPA)? It is because 4G doesn’t natively support voice calls and as soon as you make a call, the phone’s system forces it to switch to either 3G or 2G to make calls (aka Circuit switch fallback: CSFB). This applies in case you don’t have VoLTE which lets you perform phone calls with HD audio on 4G. But in this scenario, you are not deliberately using 3G but rather having to use it for a voice call.
Check out: Top features of VoLTE; Fast call setup, Video call without internet
4. Incompatible SIM (OLD SIM)
Another reason you may be hanging on to 3G could be that you have an old SIM that doesn’t support a 4G network. So, in this case, even if you own a 4G phone, there’s no possibility to connect to 4G in the absence of a USIM. Also, know that all new SIM cards in Nepal these days come with 4G compatibility.
Similarly, you can also easily upgrade your old SIM cards to 4G SIM without a hassle, and that too with promotional offers. Do read: How to activate 4G in Ntc and Ncell & toggle on the 4G mode?
5. Unsupported phones
In addition, a non-4G phone also disallows users from broadband connectivity. Old phones, feature phones, and 3G-only handsets have no option to receive 4G signals. So, it’s another key reason that many still are stuck on the 3G network. Likewise, some phones may not have band 20 support in areas where that could be the only band supported for 4G.
Do read: How to Check 4G, 5G Frequency Band Support on Your Smartphone?
Does 3G hold a future?
Sadly, no. It only sounds true that 3G will be further irrelevant over time as more advanced technologies grow prominent. Nepal is already in plans for 5G with NT 5G trials not succeeding as expected. At the same time, both NT and Ncell are upgrading or planning to upgrade all of their sites to 4G. Only a few sites on their network are missing the 4G upgrades and will expand more in the future.
Both operators will likely reach blanket 4G coverage in Nepal in a few years if not months. By that time, 3G will be used only by a slim fraction of mobile users which will render it a liability for operators. Besides, the government is also very keen on 4G expansion, upgrades, and 5G trials, so 3G has only a few years of active service. Till then, 3G will still be available for voice and mobile broadband services.
Check out: Top Android secret codes and their functions: [USSD, MMI]
So, should you still use 3G in 2024 or leave it?
Certainly, it’s a BIG NO. Yes, you should not use 3G in 2024. As implied in the passages above, 3G should be your last resort, in times when you don’t have 4G coverage at all. Second, using 3G in the presence of 4G still there doesn’t make sense. In terms of its internet potential, it offers data speed in Kbps in real-life usage which is far below that of 4G’s possible 10 Mbps of average downlink speeds. Also, since 4G has VoLTE technology that supports HD voice, 3G should be shelved from being an option. Find more details in our 3G vs 4G post.
There are other reasons too. 3G doesn’t offer smooth video consumption. It involves frustrating buffering while sustained browsing is not an option. It may also affect your phone’s battery. Besides, using the latest network also helps operators as they can invest their resources in newer tech and innovations. In conclusion, you should quit 3G and consider it only as a rare option when there is no option for 4G.
For more on 3G, usage, and SIM upgrades, you can leave your query in the comments below.
