Smart Telecom, the third telecom operator in the country has missed their 4G launch schedule on Shravan 15. Earlier Smart Telecom got the 4G license through technology neutrality in 1800 MHz. That time, they had mentioned of the 4G launch to be on Shravan 15 which is not met now. So, the operator has sought more time for the 4G launch.

Reason for Smart Telecom 4G delay

Smart Telecom has its GSM 2G equipment and service in 25 districts of the country. As known, there are 350 BTS across the country, among which around 50 BTS are compatible with the latest 4G technology. It is actually the 1800 MHz BTS that can be upgraded to 4G technology. So, Smart Telecom needs to bring additional BTS in 1800 MHz to upgrade to 4G. This is actually the reason for the smart telecom 4G delay.

Smart Telecom has formally asked NTA, in a letter to provide two months to launch 4G. That period is actually for the operator to bring around 213 BTS equipment and implement those BTS for 4G. As with the Ntc, Ncell, Smart Telecom will be launching 4G in Kathmandu and Pokhara with the new Base stations.

Though Smart Telecom has already installed some BTS for GSM 2G technology in Kathmandu valley, they have not formally launched Smart cell service in Kathmandu. It is known that they will be launching their 4G and 2G service in Kathmandu at the same time.

Smart Telecom need to pay around Rs 500 million as a frequency and renewal fee to the government, to get the 4G running. NTA sources claim, as per thehimalayantimes that Smart Telecom couldn’t start their 4G service unless the remaining dues are cleared.

Tell us about your expectations with Smart Telecom 4G.