Nepal Telecom to provide WiMAX facility to public

Nepal Telecom (NT) will provide its much-awaited Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) services to the public from March 27. Currently, the WiMAX service is available only to corporate consumers in 49 districts.

NT had launched the 4G WiMAX IEEE 802.16e service — first time in Nepal — offering WiMAX broadband internet service with greater flexibility at an unmatched price offer.

The telecom service provider — as a market leader in wireless internet — has promised to enhance its service, coverage and quality by delivering next generation technology to subscribers. "We will deliver high quality data and internet services and utilise the technology to encourage social and economic growth," said Nepal Telecom that is listed at Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse). 

WiMAX enables broadband wireless anytime, anywhere, using any WiMAX enabled device, whether it is a laptop, desktop modem, digital phone or even a game device. Mobile WiMAX creates a seamless broadband environment at home, in the office, and while on the move.

Telecom operators have started shifting their focus to data from the voice market also due to the proliferation of affordable smartphones and tablets and high revenues lately.

Mobile applications like WhatsApp, Google Voice, Viber, Skype and Facebook Chat, that have become more popular recently are posing a threat to telecom operators, forcing them to bring the latest technology.

The number of internet service users currently stands at 5.52 million and of the total, some 5.12 million browse the internet on their mobile phones, according to Nepal Telecommunications Authority.