Nepal Telecom postpones 5G test plan

Nepal Telecommunications Company (NTC) has postponed its plan to test the 5G service.

The company had earlier announced to launch 5G test from todday. However, the plan has been put on hold as the number of mobile phones that are compatible with the 5G service is low among its users, according to the company spokesperson Shobhan Adhikari.

"We have completed the preparations but the plan has been put on hold due to technical reasons," he said, adding that the 5G devices that are compatible with the 2,600MHz required by the system are found very low in the market. "That’s why the plan has been put on hold now."

5G is a next-generation technology believed to change the way people live and work at present.

According to telecom experts, the network will be around 10-100 times faster than the existing 4G networks. "This improvement in the network could lead towards a wave of possibilities for new kinds of tech products in different sectors like health, business and automobile to name a few," they claim.

Mobile networks have evolved continuously for over time from 2G, 3G, 4G before the 5G.

Most of the Nepalis are currently using a 4G network, but Nepal Telecom and also the private telecom service provider, Ncell, are working on to provide 5G network services in Nepal also.

The government has recently allowed Nepal Telecom to carry out a test about the use of 5G internet technology in Nepal. Likewise, Worldlink, an ISP company, has launched a 5G wi-fi service with limited coverage.

If Nepal Telecom, Ncell and WorldLink succeed to provide 5G services in Nepal, the country will be the first to bring the 5G network in the South Asia.

Many countries are already competing to have the fastest, largest and more efficient 5G network. The 5G networks offers businesses access to lightning-fast data transfer speeds and improved network reliability.

According to the experts, the 5G network uses a type of encoding, which is similar to the encoding that 4G uses. But the air interface is designed for much lower latency and greater flexibility than 4G.

A 5G network can be built in different methods, mostly depending on the type of bands a wireless carrier has, they claim, adding that a low-band network will have a wide coverage area but will only be 20 per cent faster than 4G, and a high-band network will have superfast speed but has a smaller range and the signal gets disrupted through hard surfaces. "There are also mid-band networks that balance the speed and coverage."

Along with speed, a 5G network will also provide greater bandwidth, which means it can handle many more devices at once than the previous networks.

The 5G technology is very quick and is capable of supporting a large number of devices that can help digitise many industries. It will also help in preparing for the new wave of automation and AI.

But a consumer also have to have a 5G-enabled device to get the benefits of a 5G network.

Though most of the big companies like Samsung, Apple, Huawei, OnePlus, and Xiaomi have already launched devices that support a 5G network, the Nepali consumers with 5G devices that are compatible with the 2,600MHz required by the system are found very low in the domestic market, which has forced the Nepal Telecom to put its plan on hold.

But the 5G network also has some drawbacks like it will drain the battery quickly, due to which the 5G-enabled phones must have significantly large battery storage. The service seekers also have to invest in infrastructure and devices to be compatible to the 5G network, which is added cost for them.

Finally, Ncell to go public

Yet another multinational company – after Unilever Nepal – is going public soon.
A private telecom service provider, Ncell Pvt Ltd has converted itself into a public company, in line with the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) directives.
The company has also been renamed ‘Ncell Axiata Ltd’ from its earlier registered name Ncell Pvt Ltd, giving an indication to float share to the general public. Axiata is its parent company. Axiata is a multinational telecommunications conglomerate listed in Malaysian stock exchange.
Issuing a notice today, the first private mobile operator said that it has renamed ‘Ncell Axiata Ltd’ and got transformed into the public company following a decision of the Office of Company Registrar on Monday.
Earlier in 2016, a leading Asian telecommunication group headquartered in Malaysia Axiata Group acquired Ncell from TeliaSonera and Reynolds Holdings at $1.365 billion. The deal secured Axiata an 80 per cent equity interest and controlling stake in Ncell.
Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) – the regulatory body of mobile service providers – had issued a circular to the licensed telecom service providers to offer their shares to the public. 
Another telecom service provider Nepal Telecom is already listed at Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse). Ncell will be not only the second multinational company to be listed at the stock exchange but also second telecom service provider to be listed in the stock exchange.

Do not sell more than two sim card for each person: NTA

As multiutilisation of mobile number has been suspected of increasing criminal activities, the telecom regulator has made it stricter for the telecom service providers not to sell more than 2 sim cards in a bid to check the supposedly misuse.
Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has directed telecommunication service providers to stop selling more than two SIM/RIM cards to each person in a bid to stop the misuse especially in criminal cases. The NTA had directed cellular companies to enforce the new provision from July 8, according to the telecom regulator that also claimed that multiple uses of SIM/RIM cards pose a potential risk on digital payment and banking systems.
However, customers can take two sim cards from each service provider.
The increasing use of digital payment systems has made transactions more efficient in several ways but the untraceability of digital cash may encourage criminal activities such as money laundering, according to the regulator. “It could also pose a potential risk for criminal activities, with the utilisation of multiple cards on other digital services and social media which stores customer information in the phone,” it said, adding that the limited distribution of cards for each individual will, however, make it easier to trace the activities. “As the government is also planning to introduce a Citizens Apps, where mobile phones will be the primary way to access it, the limited distribution of SIM cards will minimise potential criminal activities.”
In line with the regulator’s directive, Nepal Telecom (NT) has also directed service providers to issue a limit of three SIM/RIM cards per person using CDMA service. “The parents should provide a proof of relationship document as well as other documents when getting a SIM card for minors,” the directives reads, adding that telecom service providers can only issue one SIM or RIM card per minor. “In case of customers, who already have registered more than one SIM card from telecommunication service providers, the cards need to be registered under the names of people who have been using it.”
The regulator has also warned the telecommunication service providers that they will face action as per the Telecommunication Act, 2053, if they do not follow the directives by the authority.
There are four licenced telecommunication service providers, but Nepal Telecom (NT), Ncell and Smart Cell have been providing the service.

Nepal Telecom rolls out 4G in 77 districts

Nepal Telecom (NT) has successfully expanded its 4G telecom service in all the 77 districts across the country.
Speaking during an event organised to mark the 16th anniversary of the state-owned telecommunication company, here today, managing director of NT Dilli Ram Adhikari claimed that the company had successfully tested its 4G telecom service in Simikot, the headquarters of Humla district, on Tuesday (???). “Humla was the last district that was to be connected to NT’s 4G service.”
With the successful expansion of its 4G service in Humla, NT has become the first and largest telecom service provider of the country, he confirmed, adding that the NT has – till date – installed 3,683 4G service compatible base transceiver station (BTS) towers across Nepal and has also set up 200 towers recently that are only 4G compatible.
Claiming that the NT is expanding its service as per the demand from the consumers, Adhikari said that the NT plans to upgrade 2,200 BTS towers to make them 4G compatible, while add new 640 4G BTS towers across the country soon. “The company has started to implement the federal system and is in the process of converting its regional offices into provincial headquarters to provide effective service to NT subscribers.”
The state-owned telecom company has been working hard to expand its services to compete with the private sector telecom service providers. But it has been riled by the increasing trade union activities, decelerating the productivity of employees.
Addressing the programme, minister for Communications and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Baskota took a swipe at the trade unions. “The government will not tolerate anyone trying to permeate politics in state companies that provide essential services,” he said, adding that the ones, who are interested in politics should join the political parties. 

Ncell wins additional spectrum in 1,800 megahertz bandwidth

Ncell has acquired additional spectrum in the 1,800 megahertz bandwidth through the first-ever frequency auction held by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) today for residual spectrum in the given bandwidth.
Currently, Ncell utilises 11 megahertz under 1800 band to relay cellular and data 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) services, and 8 megahertz under the 900 band to provide 3G services in remote and rural areas, But Ncell will be allowed to use the frequency – it won today – only after it clears outstanding capital gains tax (CGT).
Though, it is the highest bidder, Ncell will not be able to purchase all the available remaining 16 MHz in the 1,800 MHz bandwidth as telecom companies are limited to use maximum of 20 MHz in any bandwidth. As Ncell is already using 11 MHz in the 1,800 MHz bandwidth, it can now purchase maximum of 9 MHz in the bandwidth.
With a bid amount of Rs 58 million per MHz, Ncell became the highest bidder surpassing the state-owned Nepal Telecom, which made a bid of Rs 50 million per MHz.
Earlier, the telecom sector regulator had called for spectrum auction for available 16 MHz in the 1,800 MHz bandwidth. Out of the available 75 megahertz bandwidth under the 1800 spectrum, 59 megahertz is currently assigned to five telecommunications companies, and the NTA has now auctioned the residual frequency of 16 megahertz.
Frequency spectrum is one of the important resources in the telecommunication sector without which operators cannot start wireless mobile service. The company with higher frequency spectrum can provide efficient services to its customers. The spectrum is expected to enable the concerned telecommunication operator to enhance the speed of 4G service at low cost while helping to expand its coverage. The telecom companies prefer 1,800 MHz bandwidth for GSM and 4G technology.
Initially, NTA had called for spectrum auction for available frequencies across all 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz and 2,100 MHz bandwidths. But auction across two other bandwidths could not take place as Ncell was the only company to express interest in the frequency auction of 900 MHz and 2,100 MHz bandwidths.
The Ncell will not be allowed to immediately use the additional spectrum in the 1,800 MHz that the company won today as it is facing tax issues, though NTA had allowed Ncell’s participation in the spectrum auction only on the condition that it will use additional spectrum in the given bandwidth – if it becomes the highest bidder – only after it clears all its tax liabilities, including CGT.
“Though Ncell was the highest bidder in the spectrum auction held today, NTA will allow the company to use additional frequency in the 1,800 MHz band only after Ncell clears its tax liabilities to the government,” the authority informed.
The Supreme Court in November said Ncell could pay Rs 21.10 billion in CGT against the Rs 39.06 billion determined by the tax authorities. Last April, the Large Taxpayers' Office had asked Ncell to pay Rs 39.06 billion in CGT, following which Ncell had moved the apex court seeking annulment of the decision taken by taxmen. Ncell, however, is yet to clear the amount.
Due to specifications for participating in the spectrum auction, no other telecom company except NT and Ncell could participate in the frequency auction. The spectrum auction notice had mentioned that telecom companies had to either have a basic telephony service licence or unified licence, clear all dues including royalty, RTDF and spectrum fees to be eligible to participate. Smart Cell and UTL are yet to clear the dues of frequency that they are using, while CG Telecom has not been granted unified license yet.
CG Telecom – citing that NTA was biased – had, however, filed a case in the Supreme Court a week ago seeking stay on the NTA’s frequency auction process. But the apex court did not issue a stay order.
The Chaudhary Group subsidiary filed the writ on Sunday stating that the regulator had not provided it with a GSM licence despite its eligibility to obtain one, and set the terms of the auction preventing it from participating in the bidding.
A court decision on the writ by the single bench of Justice Prakash Kumar Dhungana today has asked the government to clarify why CG has not been given a permit to operate GSM services, and why it was not allowed to take part in the bidding. But the decision came after the bidding process concluded.

LTO recognises NT as highest taxpayer

The Large Taxpayers’ Office (LTO) today felicitated Nepal Telecom (NT) as the highest taxpayer – in terms of income tax from telecommunications sector – a couple of days after the government felicitated 15 firms as highest taxpayers of the fiscal year 2018-19.
Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has – marking the National Tax Day on Sunday – recognised some 15 top tax contributors as usual. But telecom companies – both Nepal Telecom and Ncell – could not make it to the top taxpayers’ list, unlike earlier years. The government generally recognises firms and individuals on the basis of income tax they pay, which is why both telecom firms could not make it to the list of top taxpayers of IRD for last year, though Ncell had earlier bagged the title of highest taxpayer institution for two consecutive fiscal years 2012-13 and 2013-14.
The LTO felicitated Nepal Telecom today as the largest taxpayer – based on income tax – among firms under its jurisdiction, though the telecom could not make it to the list of IRD’s top taxpayers.
There are some 13 tax offices in the Kathmandu valley under the jurisdiction of LTO. The Nepal Telecom was the highest taxpayer from the service sector.
Among the two telecom service providers, Ncell is regarded as one of the largest contributors of tax to the government but it also could not make it to the list of both IRD and LTO this time. According to a report published by Ncell’s parent company Axiata, Ncell paid $257 million in taxes – some 4.2 per cent of total tax revenue of the Nepali government in 2018 – last year. The domestic sources have also confirmed that Ncell had paid almost Rs 32 billion in taxes to the government last year. But Ncell could not make it to the list of top taxpayers, as the company did not meet the criteria for the recognition.
According to the criteria, a taxpayer should have paid necessary taxes regularly and on time, does not have pending dues and has submitted all the details sought by the government.

Nepal Telecom expands 4G across 32 districts, 50 cities

Nepal Telecom (NT) has rolled out 4G service in 50 cities of 32 districts across the country.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli launched – through video conference – Nepal Telecom's nationwide 4G/LTE network in Kathmandu today. Though 4G service has been available for NT users in the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara, the government-owned telecom company has expanded the high-speed data service to 59 more cities of 36 districts of all seven provinces.
Under the 4G/LTE technology, users not only get high speed internet, but also high quality voice call service, according to the telecom service provider. “As the data speed of the 4G is faster compared to what the NT users are getting from current 3G services, they will be able to watch, download and listen audio/visual contents, play games and surf other Internet contents that require high bandwidth.”
“We have entered the age of 4G from first 2G and then 3G,” the premier said, launching the new service. “We have taken a giant stride to the new era,” he said, urging all to reap the benefit of the new technology provided by the state-owned telecommunication company.
Nepal Telecom had started 4G/LTE service – first in Nepal – in Kathmandu valley and Pokhara on January 1, 2017. However, it had been unable to expand the service outside Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara, as the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) launched a probe into the 4G equipment procurement process in February last year, suspecting financial irregularities, and other procedural and procurement hurdles. According to the telecom service provider, altogether 800,000 people are using the NT's 4G in the Kathmandu valley and Pokhara. However, Ncell has over three million 4G subscribers, though the company launched the service months later.
Issuing a pree note on the launch of the nationwide 4G/LTE service, the NT said mobile phones and SIM cards should support 4G/LTE. “There is no additional charge associated on activation of 4G/LTE service,” the note reads, adding that in mobile set, users can follow the direction after dialing #444#. “They can know whether they have to change their SIM card to get the new service or continue with the activation process.”
“Consumers, who avail data through NT 4G cellular technology have been offered 400 MB of data at Rs 25 for up to 24 hours upon subscription,” the press note reads.
On the occasion, minister for communications and information technology Gokul Prasad Baskota, said that NT’s 4G expansion is one of government’s biggest achievements.
Likewise, managing director of NT Dilli Adhikari said that the company was though comparatively late to expand the service, the 4G or Long Term Evolution (LTE) will cater to the high-speed internet demand of NT subscribers across 50 major cities.
Adhikari also informed that NT subscribers will have to switch to U-SIM to avail its 4G service and the company has already ensured the availability of U-SIM across places where the 4G service have been launched. “Subscribers of old SIM cards can exchange the new U-SIM free of cost.”
According to Nepal Telecom, over 6.5 million subscribers can benefit from the new 4G expansion.
Nepal Telecom had inked different pacts with China-based ZTE Corporation and China Communication Service International (CCSI) of Hong Kong to develop core network and radio network required for the 4G expansion in the country. ZTE has quoted a price of Rs 1.56 billion to install the core network. Under the plan, radio access networks will be installed in the central and mid-western regions in the first phase, whereas in the second phase, the core network will be installed in the eastern, western and far western regions, connecting all areas into the 4Gs system. “The first and second phases of the network are expected to cost Rs 8.75 billion and Rs 8.39 billion, respectively.”

Nepal Telecom to start 4G service in 50 cities

Nepal Telecom (NT) is bringing 4G services into operation in 50 urban areas throughout the country from Wednesday.
The telecom service provider is announcing the expansion of the 4G service by organising a programme – in Kathmandu – which would be addressed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, according to the Nepal Telecom spokesperson Pratibha Baidya. “The BTS towers have been installed at more than 110 places to roll out the 4G service,” she said, adding that the number of BTS towers will reach 150 by Wednesday.
The 4G service will be started in Chandragadhi, Birtamod, Damak, Biratnagar, Inaruwa, Dharan, Dhankuta, Janakpur, Jesleshwar, Malangawa, Bara, Parsa, Simara, Kalaiya and Gaur. Similarly, the service will also be expanded to Dhading, Kavrepalanchok, Sundhupalchok, Bidur, Manthali, Bhimeshwar, Sindhulimadhi, Parbat, Kushma, Baglung, Chitwan, Sauraha, Taulihawa, Butwal, Devdaha, Tulsipur, Ghorahi, Nepalgunj, Kohalpur, Surkhet, Bhimdattanagar, Jhalari, Pipaladi, Chaumala and Attariya.
The 4G service is reaching more than 50 places at the same time, according to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Banskota’s directive.
“The goal is to expand the 4G LTE service throughout the country by February 12, 2020,” she added.

Number of 4G users soars by 125 per cent

The number of fourth generation (4G) mobile network users has reached 3.6 million within three years of being introduced in the country.
According to Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), the number has increased by 125 per cent compared to last year. The recently published Management Information System (MIS) report of mid-April to mid-May revealed that the number stood at 1.6 million last year. “The 4G network was first introduced in Nepal on January 1, 2017 by Nepal Telecom (NT). Currently, NT, Ncell and Smart Telecom Pvt Ltd (STPL) are providing 4G service across the country, apart from Ncell that has the largest coverage of 4G service.”
The MIS report also revealed that there are a total of 2.6 million 4G subscribers of Ncell so far, whereas NT and STPL have 762,945 and 174,816 4G users, respectively.
Although NT was the first to start 4G service in the country, till date it has been able to provide 4G service only in Kathmandu and Pokhara, whereas Ncell is currently providing the service in 1,000 different locations of seven provinces.
Within two years of the 4G launch, Ncell has expanded the service in 44 districts but the STPL is providing 4G service in four major cities – including Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Pokhara – in the country.
Meanwhile, NT has divided the 4G expansion project into three categories including Network I, Network II and Core Network. While the Nepse-listed company has awarded the Network I and Network II categories of the project to CCSI, ZTE Corporation has been awarded the contract to develop necessary core network and radio access network for the expansion of 4G or Long Term Evolution (LTE) service.
Likewise, the number of mobile data users reached 18.6 million compared to 14.3 million last year, it revealed, adding, “Of the total number of data users, 10 million are 3G users while remaining 136,573 users are using networks that are below 3G capacity.”
According to the MIS report, some 63.31 per cent, out of the total population, are using internet service across the country. “Of the total number of internet users, some 49.65 per cent are mobile network users, 12.47 per cent are fixed broadband users, while 1.18 per cent are wireless broadband users,” it stated in the report.

Migrants can now lodge complaints from abroad

Migrant workers can now lodge complaints from abroad as the government has established a call centre to listen to their problems.
"The centre will facilitate migrant workers, who need immediate help during the initial process when they are applying for foreign jobs," according to minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Gokarna Bista. "The centre will be open every day for 13 hours from 7am."
"The centre under the Labour Ministry will be well equipped to deal with queries and complaints and provide suggestions to workers both in Nepal and in destination countries," he said, adding that the issues related to migrant workers will be addressed instantly. "The centre will coordinate and help resolves complaint lodged at the Department of Foreign Employment, Foreign Employment Promotion Board, Prime Minister Employment Programme or the Social Security Fund."
Migrant workers can file their complaints via telephone or internet-based communications including email, Messenger, Viber and Imo, he said, adding that the centre will also provide assistance to workers who have been jailed on fake charges. "The workers, who are employed in countries that the government has restricted for foreign employment, will also be able to file complaints at the call centre."
Nepal Telecom (NT) users will be able to connect and access the service of the centre for free and users of Ncell and other carriers will also soon be provided free services.

Biplov owns up to Ncell blast

Two days after a deadly blast – in front of the Ncell gate in Nakkhu – that took one person’s life and wounded two others, the Netra Bikram Chand 'Biplov'-led Communist Party of Nepal claimed responsibility for the explosion and also attacks on various Ncell towers in different parts of the country.
"We didn’t carry out the explosion targeting pedestrians," one of the Biplov-led party leaders claimed, apologising for human casualty. "We exploded the bomb to warn the ongoing corruption by Ncell."
However, fighting alleged corruption with terror is not the right and legal way rather will distract foreign investment.
Three people were injured when an improvised device exploded in front of the gate of Ncell head office in Nakkhu at around 8pm on Friday. One of the injured, Singha Prasad Gurung (49) died at around 1am Saturday at Mediciti Hospital, while undergoing treatment.
Acknowledging that the explosion at Ncell office and arson attacks on the its towers were carried out by the semi-underground Communist Party of Nepal, it also claimed that the party had no intention to target any member of the public. "The entire party rank and file is sad over the loss of a human life."
At least a dozen telephone towers of the private telecom service provider were torched in different districts including Achham, Kanchanpur, Nawalparasi, Nuwakot, Gorkha, Kaski and Myagdi on Friday night. At least four towers were torched in Myagdi alone.
The splinter of the erstwhile CPN (current Maoist Centre) – that waged a decade-long insurgency – Biplov-led Communist Party has been accusing Ncell of failing to pay billions of rupees in capital gains tax, taking the money earned from Nepal to foreign country, defying court order and buying staffers of the state-owned Nepal Telecom to make its services inefficient. The party claimed that the explosion was a warning to Ncell activities.
However, the illegal way and creating terror among the foreign investors will hit the country as Nepal is preparing to organise Investment Summit next month to lure foreign investment. The incident has raised question on the government's ability and preparedness for foreign investment, though the government has been repeatedly claiming that it will provide security to the foreign and domestic investors.
Ncell – bought by a Malaysian mobile giant Axiata from Swedish TeliaSonera in April 2016 – has been in the news for wrong reasons due to government mishandling of the case.  The then government ministers and tax officials told Axiata that it need not pay capital gains tax. But the tax officials also allowed TeliaSonera go back home without paying capital gain tax – normally paid by the seller, who gains to pay the tax – and also released money from its bank account.
The government and tax officials can still write official letter to the Sweden government through the Foreign Ministry claiming to capital gain tax, but neither the government nor the protestors including Biplov-led communist party are taking the legal and official way to resolve the problem but resorting to the vandalising and extortion destroying the investment climate of the country.
Responding to a writ petition by a group of civil society members including Dwarika Nath Dhungel, the Supreme Court on February 6 ordered Ncell and its parent company Axiata to pay capital gains tax. Five days later, the tax authority said Ncell and Axiata’s capital gains tax liability stood at around Rs 75 billion. The apex court decision has also raised serious question on the government and the law as to how come a buyer pay capital gain tax – against the international law and practice – and the seller, who gained is left to return the country,
Biplov Communist Party has been regrouping and being involved in extortion and criminal activities. It had been attacking Ncell and asking for donations too.

Government rolls back 13 per cent tax on internet fee

The government today rolled back its decision to raise internet fees by 13 per cent from 11 per cent.
This is the second time the government has rolled back its decision – announced in the budget for the current fiscal year – after West Seti. The government had – against the agreement between the Chinese company and Investment Board of Nepal – in the budget for the current fiscal year claimed to construct West Seti on its own. However, the Chinese government protested claiming that it is going to construct the hydropower project as the agreement has not yet been terminated. The government through the investment board – which has the Prime Minister as its chair – rolled back the decision to construct on its own and reassured China that the hydel project will be constructed by the Chinese company as according to the agreement.
Likewise, the government rolled back the decision to hike tax on internet fee after a meeting between the internet service providers and Ministry of Industry and Communications today.
The internet service providers will not charge additional 13 per cent tax levied by the Nepal Telecom (NT) now, according to the agreement. "They will pay the telecommunications service fee to the government from the amount they have been charging to the customers."
The agreement will be implemented for those customers, who have been taking the service only for home service. The corporate customers, however, still have to pay the 13 per cent tax, though the internet is not the end product and is a tool that could boost the productivity and also profit, which will be returned back to the government. The government will get more benefit, if it decreases the tax than increase.
The government earlier had formed a committee comprising internet service providers, Nepal Telecom (NT) and ministry officials.

Nepal ends India's Internet monopoly

The commercial operation of Nepal-China optical fiber link has begun from today, ending India's monopoly in cyber connectivity network.
The landlocked Nepal was totally dependent on India for access to the worldwide web through connections at Biratnagar, Bhairahawa and Birgunj, for which it pays a substantial sum as fees and royalties but Nepal Telecom (NT) and China Telecom Global today launched their services giving Nepal an option.
The information and communication minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet and Chinese ambassador Yu Hong inaugurated the new optical fibre link during a ceremony in Kathmandu.
The telecom companies had finished the laying of optical fibre cables between Kerung in China and Rasuwagadi in Nepal, about 50 km north of Kathmandu before the launching of the connectivity. A successful test of the link was conducted last week before it became operational on Friday.
"It will give Nepal an alternative to India for cyber connectivity and ensure uninterrupted connections," Pratibha Vaidya, Nepal Telecom spokesperson said, adding that Nepali consumers can now look forward to a reliable service. He noted that infrastructure had also been created to extend the Chinese railway network to Nepal.
Ambassador Yu, on the occasion, said China is the second largest investor in Nepal and also send many tourists to the country.
Nepal Telecom (NT), the government-owned telecom service provider, has now acquired bandwidth from China Telecom Global Limited, with its head office in Hong Kong. NT signed an agreement with the Chinese company in December 2016 to acquire bandwidth.
Nepal’s has a 25-GBPS link with India while the Chinese link is 1.5 GBPS. "The cost of internet services will remain the same," she said, adding that Nepal has been connected with China at only one point now, which will be increased in the future.
According to a report from Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), more than 61 percent of Nepal population of more than 26 million is connected to the internet, mostly through mobile devices.

Nepal Telecom withdraws from Dharahara reconstruction

Nepal Telecom will not reconstruct the historic Dharahara tower – one of Kathmandu’s iconic landmarks – that was collapsed in the devastating earthquake two years ago.
Citing the government's failure in assuring security to its investment, the telecom service provider said that it will, however, donate Rs 1 billion to the government for the project as it had committed earlier.
The Nepal Reconstruction Authority (NRA) has already been informed about the NT's decision, according to the telecommunication service provider.
Earlier, the government had designed the model for Dharahara with an estimated cost of Rs 4 billion. But, the government plan has been pushed into limbo after the NT pulled out of the project.
The telecom service provider decided not to take the responsibility as the government did not agree on its proposal to construct a commercial shopping complete on the premises, apart from opposition from the local cultural communities that has been asking to rebuild Dharahara according to the design proposed by Department of Archaeology. NT had proposed to add more features in the vicinity of Dharahara, such as a fountain, space for cultural music and a modern garden, which NT believed was required to ensure sustainability of Dharahara.
However, the government insisted that the premises should be left open.
The government’s design of Dharahara also stated that 70 per cent of the total area used for Dharahara reconstruction had to be left vacant. However, this is not possible as a portion of the land meant for rebuilding Dharahara is a holy site where different communities perform various rituals.
The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) accepted that it has received a letter from NT yesterday stating the company’s unwillingness to rebuild the monument in the heart of the city. "The NT has informed us that it is unable to rebuild Dharahara according to design of the government,” informed NRA spokesperson Yam Lal Bhoosal. "
The NRA will take up the issue in the Cabinet soon, as the council of ministers had authorised NT to rebuild Dharahara
The historical monument was to spread over only four ropanis of land but according to the Department of Archaeology proposed design is spread over 30 ropanis of land.
The Department of Archaeology had earlier come up with a design to preserve the ravaged structure of Dharahara at the same location as a memorial to those, who were killed in the earthquake and a new 245-feet, 11-storeyed Dharahara would be built at the site where the General Post Office is located.
Meanwhile, Bhoosal said the authority was likely to take it upon itself to initiate the Dharahara reconstruction process.

Nepal Telecom to start 4G services from January 1

The Nepal Telecom has announced that it is starting the fourth generation (4G) dervices to its customers from January 1. "The consumers will be able to use 4G telecommunication service for the first time from 2017 as Nepal Telecom, the state-owned telecom service provider, is starting the new service in two major cities from January 1," it claimed.
The telecom companies till now provide only 2G and 3G services. In July this year, the government had opened the doors for telecom companies to operate 4G service by amending the Radio Frequency Policy.
The two telecom service providers – Nepal Telecom and Ncell – had applied for the operation of the 4G services. But Nepal Telecom is the first company to receive permission from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), the regulatory body, to start the new service.
“We are starting 4G service in Kathmandu and Pokhara from January 1, 2017” said the NT officials. "We will expand the service in other areas of the country gradually."
The 4G service is expected to help customers to operate the various services requiring high bandwidth such as video in an easier way.
Lately beside NT, three other telecom operators – Ncell, United Telecom Limited (UTL) and Smart Telecom, all privately owned, have also applied to NTA for approval to operate 4G service.
However, the NTA said that they were studying the roll out plans of the private sector telecom operators. There are currently six telecom operators in Nepal. But the Ncell claimed that they were ready to offer the 4G service to their customer, immediately after they receive the permission.
Despite the 113 per cent teledensity in the contry, according to the MIS report of the NTA, the telecoms sector has very nominal contribution to the economy. According to the various studies, increase in 10 per cent of teledensity will contribute one per cent to the gross domestic production (GDP). However, it has not been the case in Nepal.  

Fixed telephony base surpasses 850,000 in December

The country saw its fixed telephony base grow to 851,199 in mid-December, up from 849,096 in mid-November.

The total includes 647,152 PSTN subscribers and 198,219 WLL telephony users, figures from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA).

Nepal Telecom (NT) leads the PSTN market with 647,152 customers, up from 645,013 a month earlier, while STM Telecom Sanchar's base was flat at 5,230 customers. Smart had 598 public phone centres, the same as in the previous month.

Nepal Telecom also leads the WLL market with 122,505 customers for the service, slightly down from 122,541 in November, followed by UTL with 73,070 subscribers, same as the previous month.

Nepal Satellite Telecom had 2,644 WLL subscribers, also unchanged. Meanwhile, the number of limited mobility subscribers stood at 1.74 million, up from 1.71 million, and Global Mobile Personal Communications (GMPCS) users remained at 1,742 in December.

Nepal Telecom to introduce new social network site

Nepal Telecom plans to introduce a new social network site in March, The telecom service provider has been testing the site internally at present.

Managing director of the company Anoop Ranjan Bhattarai, today said that the social site will have the same facilities as Facebook, plus Skype, group message and Viber facilities. "Nepal Telecom has not yet named the site."

The new social network aims to initially benefit one million users, moving to 10 million people at a later date. Nepse-listed Nepal Telecom has invested Rs 900 million so far to construct the social network site.

Likewise, he urged the the regulatory bodies to simplify public procurement process to help company upgrade technologically, and remain competent in the market.

Though Nepal Telecom is competitive, it is finding difficult to upgrade technologically due to procurement act, he added, on the occasion of 10th anniversary.

The company that had earned Rs 11.2 billion net profit in the last fiscal year, is providing telecommunication service to almost one million customers through its GSM, CDMA, landlines, Wimax and ADSL internet services.

The company had also contributed Rs 7.6 billion to the government coffer as tax in the last fiscal year.

The company’s priority is to increase the country’s digital inclusion by expanding our digital presence all over the nation,” he added.

However, chief secretary Leela Mani Poudyal on the occasion, said that there is no legal barriers to the Nepal Telecom to expand its market. Emphasising on the need to focus on improving its service quality, he said that company can only survive in the long run if it can provide the customers with better and quality services

Special offers flood
KATHMANDU: Nepal Telecom's postpaid GSM and CDMA customers will get free 50MB data per month for the next three months. The company has announced discounts for its customers on the occasion of its 10th anniversary.

Government committed to complete Upper Tamakoshi on time

The government is committed to bring the Upper Tamakoshi hydropower into operation after mid-July 2016.

Asking the developers today to expedite the 456- megawatt Upper Tamakoshi powerhouse construction and land acquisition to build transmission lines as soon as possible secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Krishna Hari Baskota said that the hydropower project is one of the national pride projects. "It should not face any shortages of budget or staff," he said, asking the developers to concentrate on completing construction of pen-stock shaft, powerhouse, transmission lines and sub stations on time.

The hydel project financed by the domestic resources is going to float shares to the public replicating the success of Chilime Hydropower.

After the issue of public share, the share structure of the run-of-the-river project in Dolakha district will be; Nepal Electricity Authority's 41 per cent, Nepal Telecom (six per cent), Citizen Investment Trust (two per cent), Rastriya Beema Sansthan (two per cent), public (15 per cent), locals of Dolakha (10 per cent), and clients of Employees Provident Fund, and employees of Tamakoshi Hydropower Company, NEA and lending institutions (24 per cent).

Rs 35.29 billion project has so far spent Rs 16.29 billion, Baskota informed, adding that works are underway on all four fronts of civil construction, hydromechanical and electromechanical equipment designing and installation, and building of transmission lines and substations. "Around 51 per cent of work on building concrete structure at headworks is complete."

The project has signed Power Purchase Agrement (PPA) with NEA to sell the electricity generated at  a cost of Rs 3.63 during wet season and Rs 6.98 during dry season per unit.