Ncell to get 4G license

While Nepal Telecom is preparing to roll out 4G network after receiving 4G LTE license, Ncell is known to get 4G license soon. Nepal Telecommunication Authority, NTA has sent a letter to Ncell for submitting their rollout plan to launch Ncell 4G within their network. Previously the regular had done the same to Nepal Telecom and awarded the license after reviewing their plan.

After some review of Ncell’s plan from NTA, Ncell will be getting the 4G license. The 4G license to Ncell will also be based on technology neutrality in 1800 MHz. Currently Ncell has 11 MHz frequency in 1800 MHz that 2G GSM technology uses wholly. As currently NTA is not providing any additional frequency, Ncell has to use the same 11 MHz for both 2G (GSM) and 4G (LTE) technology.  The recent updated Radio frequency policy 2073 includes the technology neutrality principle which paves the way for 4G in 1800 MHz and 3G in 900 MHz.

After sometime, NTA will distribute some spectrum chunk to both the operators, Ntc and Ncell. According to the policy, one operator can hold 20 MHz spectrum in 1800 MHz band.  Though both the operators demanded for additional frequency in 1800 MHz for LTE, they are to operate 4G in the existing chunk, by frequency re-farming.

Ncell will submit their detailed plan for the 4G rollout immediately after the festival. Nepal Telecom has already started upgrading their network infrastructure for 4G. As per their plan, Ntc is launching 4G LTE network after second week of December. The operators say they can launch 4G within 2 months from approval. They can buy new equipment only after getting license, so they take such 2 months long period. Ncell claims they can launch 4G within very short period of time after getting license.

Now the real competition between Ntc and Ncell is to be the first operator to launch 4G in the country. Ntc has already got the license but Ncell will get the license after review of their plan from NTA.

So who do you think will be the first to launch 4G in the country. Please comment below with your views: Is it gonna be Nepal Telecom 4G or Ncell 4G?