Last Updated on August 6, 2023
Telecom operators in Nepal spent over 1 billion on mobile SIM card import in Fiscal Year FY 2079/80. The latest data from Customs Department show that the telcos total spending reached Rs 1 Arab, 4 crores, 10 lakhs, and 30 thousand.
The SIM card business also soundly helped the government generate revenue. The statistics show that the government of Nepal drew 19 crores, 41 lakhs, and 72 thousand in revenue from SIM imports. In total, 1 crore, 56 lakhs, 85 thousand, and 854 SIM cards were imported into Nepal in FY 2079/80.
The SIM import helped the government with revenues. The federal government drew in 19 crores, 41 lakhs, and 72 thousand in revenue from SIM import in FY 2079/80.
GSM mobile phones need a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card to connect to a cellular network. Nepali mobile network operators Nepal Telecom (NTC), Ncell, and Smart Cell (now out of service) issue SIM cards to their customers to provide mobile services. They are also increasingly used in 4G routers, IoT, and smart gadgets.
Also read: Stop Selling Recycled SIM Cards, SC Issues an Interim Order!
SIM Import Partners
Like other electronics such as smartphones, Nepal fulfilled its SIM card requirements from various markets. China remains the dominant importing partner for SIM cards. However, the list includes countries like Poland, Qatar, Spain, Sweden, Latvia, etc.
In FY 2079/80, 99 lakhs, 24 thousand, and 332 units of SIM cards came from China. In total, the transaction was worth Rs 55 crores, 22 lakhs, and 19 thousand. Similarly, India exported 37 lakhs, 52 thousand, and 353 individual SIM cards worth Rs 19.85 crores. 18 lakhs, 63 thousand, and 110 unique SIM cards came from the Czech Republic for around Rs 29 crore.
| SIM Import 2079/80 | Unit of SIM cards | Spending |
| China | 99,24,332 | Rs 55.22 crores |
| India | 37,52,353 | Rs 19.85 crores |
| Chez Republic | 18,63,110 | Rs 29 crores |
Nepali companies sell, recycle, or exchange physical SIM cards for their customers. You may also want to read this post: Check out: NTA Requests to Use SIM Card in Own Name.
For any information regarding SIM cards, usage, purchase, degradation, etc., do leave your query in the comments below.
