NTC has expanded its 2G mobile service in Nisikhola for the first time. This has ended their long overdue wait for telecommunications service. Before this, the locals had to head to faraway regions for calls looking for mobile towers.
Government-backed operator Nepal Telecom (NTC) has established its telecom services in Nisikhola after erecting a 12-meter tower in the region. This is the first time mobile services have reached the backward region of Baglung.
The beneficiaries are the 500 households dispersed in Nishikhola Ward no.1 Devisthan. This includes areas such as Pakhapani, Torikharka, Kiteni, Barahchaur, Saatle, Swaanra, Dadagaun, and Purnagaaun.
Ntc has started providing voice calls through a second-generation (2G GSM) mobile service in the region. Before this, the locals had to set out to adjacent regions to receive mobile towers for connection.
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Mobile service in Nisikhola highlights Ntc’s expansion efforts
Ntc’s Baglung Chief and senior engineer Keshav Sharma said that the first-time mobile service in Nisikhola is in line with the telco’s effort to accelerate its mobile services across the country. In recent years, the government-financed operator has made tremendous strides in extending its coverage and upgrading its existing services. These efforts are in line to realize the Digital Nepal vision.
He added that the 2G GSM service lunch is locals-focused for voice call service. And this has ended their many years of hazard in the absence of basic telecom services in their locality.
To the locals’ delight, Sharma also added that the company will soon bring 4G services for fast mobile broadband.
In recent years Ntc has accelerated its effort to expand mobile communications penetration to areas with no telecom services. The first-time telecom service in Nishikhola is one testament to its objective.
Previously, the locals had to climb high hills for mobile connection. Now, they can enjoy voice calling inside their houses.
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5G on the horizon, but some areas remain unconnected
It is one instance of irony. Nepal is soon expecting the fifth-generation mobile communication standard thanks to Ntc. But still, there remain areas that lack 2G for calls, let alone fast 4G broadband access. The digital divide exists and it needs a faster address than it is getting.
In the times when major trade centers receive 4G and wait on 5G, there are some remote areas struggling for basic 2G services. To address this, the government and telcos must accentuate their efforts and bring the latest mobile communications to those still disconnected regions. And starting with basic 2G service is handy for the operators. These existing hardware can lend support for future upgrades to 3G/4G standards.
What do you say about the dichotomy of mobile service in Nepal? The telcos are doing their best to uniformly expand their services but some areas are still left behind. Are you satisfied with the pace of their service rollout as well as the state of services in your area? Do share what you think in the comments below.
