No of 4G users in Nepal increase by 125% in a year

The number of 4G users in Nepal has reached 3.6 million. The 4G mobile network subscribers have increased rapidly in a year period. Telecom operators have also driven to expand their 4G network coverage lately.

As per the latest NTA MIS report, the 4G subscriber number is increased by more than 100 percent in a year span. Last years (Mid April-May) data shows the no of 4G subscribers was at 1.6 million which now reaches to 3.6 million, which is 125% increment.

Ntc, Ncell and Smart Telecom’s 4G

The three mobile operators, namely Ntc, Ncell, and Smart Telecom have a 4G mobile network in the country. Nepal Telecom (NTC) started the fourth generation mobile network first on Jan 1, 2017. They still have 4G coverage in Kathmandu and Pokhara only. Ntc has around 7.6 lakhs, 4G users. But Ncell which started some months later than Ntc has widest 4G coverage in the country. Recently Ncell announced to have launched 4G in 1000 locations. Ncell has around 2.6 million (26 lakh) 4G subscribers across the country.

Similarly, the third operator Smart Telecom has 1.7 lakhs, 4G users. They have 4G coverage in  19 districts, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar and more.

Nepal Telecom is currently working to expand the 4G network across the country, with a brand new 4G project. They have already started to test their Core network which is provided by Chinese Telecom company ZTE Corporation. Similarly, the works for 4G Radio access network are underway too. Ntc has a target to cover major city areas in a matter of a few months. Ntc has a contract with CCSI, Hongkong for the radio network works (mobile towers).

Another operator which has already signed a deal with Huawei for 4G only network is CG Telecom (in short CG tel). CG Telecom has inked a contract worth of $100 million for the roll-out of 4G network across the country. As they have not got the unified license and secured required spectrum, their dream to be “Jio of Nepal” is shattered for now.

Reasons for increment

Some of the reasons for 4G subscribers increment are:

• No of 4G handsets increased: 4G mobile network support is now ubiquitous in every range of smartphones. Also, the smartphone penetration has gone way up now. As phones are affordable, people prefer the latest technology (4G) over old phones (without 4G).
• Demand in data speed: People have started using more multimedia services like video, audio streaming, etc than before. For such high volume data, a 4G network having faster internet is always preferred.
• Power-efficiency: Compared to 2G, 3G, mobile phones are found to last longer in the 4G network due to power-efficient technology. This only happens if the 4G coverage is considerably similar to that of 2G, 3G.
• Marketing Scheme: As the operators have also started to push more subscribers to 4G, they have upped their marketing to drive 4G customers. All of the telecom operators have a big focus now on the 4G network.

To all those people who use internet data from a mobile network, we also recommend to use the 4G network, for the fast evolution of mobile network and take up the 4G adoption rate.

What we believe now is the adoption rate will increase multi-fold in the year 2076 as the telcos drive more for their 4G network coverage and also the subscribers.

• What is VoLTE in 4G and when it will come to Nepal?

The NTA MIS data of Mid April to Mid May 2019 also shows the total broadband penetration of 63.31 %. This includes all the broadband internet services including ADSL, Fiber, Co-axial, 3G, 4G, and some other radio technologies. The total 3G users in the country are 11 million (1 crore and 10 lakhs).

Tell us if you use 4G mobile network or not and the reason, in the comment box.