Frequency bands in Nepal for Mobile | Cellular Spectrum

As we have been getting requests from people throughout the world regarding the operating frequency for different mobile technologies in Nepal, we are here providing you with different frequency bands for running mobile services here. It is the regulator body (Nepal Telecommunication Authority) that provides a chunk of frequency in different frequency bands to the Mobile Operators. Mobile communication has started in Nepal in 1999 with the launching of GSM service by Nepal Telecom. (For more history, click here)

At first, it was only in 900 MHz for 2G GSM and then after several years, 1800 MHz was available. The private operator, then Spice Nepal started service in Nepal in 2005 with Mero Mobile Brand (Now Ncell). Nepal Telecom enjoyed a full monopoly until Mero Mobile service was launched to different parts of the country.

CDMA

In 2002, CDMA mobile service was launched in Nepal by UTL operated in 850 MHz bands. Similarly, Nepal Telecom also has the CDMA mobile service operating in the same 850 MHz band which comes from WLL, limited mobility to a full mobility service now.

As 4 MHz bandwidth in CDMA 850 MHz overlaps with the EGSM band (900 MHz), that small chunk is made unavailable to the operators. Smart Telecom and NTSTPL have also got small chunks of bandwidth in GSM 900(EGSM)/1800 MHz. UTL, the Indian investment of telecom in Nepal operated CDMA in 1900 MHz band before whereas it is now made vacant as per NTA directives.

ALSO READ: CDMA to shut down in Nepal from the year 2022.

3G and 4G

3G (WCDMA) mobile service was launched in Nepal by Nepal Telecom in 2007 which is on 2100 MHz Frequency band. Ncell even started its 3G service in 2010. Both of the operators have got 10 MHz bandwidth each in the 2100 MHz band. The latest addition to the technology in Nepal is LTE (4G).

Nepal Telecom launched 4G service in the 1800 MHz band on Jan 1, 2017. Nepal also has WiMAX internet service which is operational at 2300 MHz by Nepal Telecom. On June 1, 2017, Ncell launched 4G in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, and Banepa. Both Ntc and Ncell have been aggressively expanding their 4G LTE mobile network throughout the country. Click here to know more about Ncell 4G coverage.

On October 29, Smart Telecom, the third-largest telecom operator has launched its 4G service in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Smart Telecom has also expanded its 4G network but not to the extent of Ntc, and Ncell. Find more information on Smart Cell 4G. Ncell has already operated 3G in 900 MHz in rural areas, reaching out to more areas and people. After expanding the new 4G network, NTC 4G coverage has now reached more than 92% of local levels of all 77 districts. Ncell has also started operating 4G LTE on 900 MHz now, with which it expects to boost the coverage and speed.

Nepal Telecom has been using two bands for its 4G LTE network namely 1800 MHz and 800 MHz. Find more info on the Nepal Telecom 4G bands and how to get the most out of them.

Table for Frequency bands in Nepal

Here is a table for all the frequency bands in Nepal for different technologies.

Technology	Frequency band	Operator
5G	2600 MHz	Nepal Telecom
LTE (4G)	1800 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz	Nepal Telecom, Ncell, Smart Cell
GSM	900 MHz/ 1800 MHz	Nepal Telecom, Ncell, Smart Telecom
CDMA	850 MHz/ 1900 MHz	UTL, Nepal Telecom
WCDMA (3G)	2100 MHz, 900 MHz	Nepal Telecom, Ncell
WiMAX	2300 MHz	Nepal Telecom

If you want to know any specific information about frequency bands of cellular technologies in Nepal, do comment below or reach out to us.