All Nepal highways will be connected by mobile network. Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has forwarded a plan to bring cellular connectivity to all the highways across Nepal within a year.
This will let people connect to mobile services and stay connected with their family and friends when traveling. To expedite the project, the authority has sanctioned a budget of Rs 1 billion under the coordination of Communications Minister Rekha Sharma. The proposal has already been passed through the Ministry of Communications, and Information Technology (MoCIT) with a target to complete the project within FY 2080/81.
MoCIT and NTA are not allowing a let-up to connect highways with mobile networks. The regulator will call for a proposal from Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell by the end of Poush. When complete, all the highways across the country will get 2G, 3G, 4G, or a combination of them.
This project aligns with the Telecommunications Policy, 2060 which seeks to bring connectivity to the areas where none is available.
Also read: NTA connects 38 community schools in Salpasilichho, Bhojpur by broadband internet
Highways all over Nepal will get mobile network
At the moment, mobile network is sparsely available along the highways. However, the project will prioritize areas on those highways where no cellular connection has been established. This project will connect the unconnected parts of the Prithvi Highway, East-West Highway, Araniko Highway, Sagarmatha Highway, BP Highway, Karnali Highway, Mid-Hill Highway, Hulaki Highway, etc.
Additionally, the budget has also been allocated to expand mobile communication in border and remote areas.
Nta and MoCIT have been running several projects to extend mobile services. For instance, the free RTDF broadband project sought to connect local bodies with FTTH fiber internet throughout the country. There is also a plan underway to do the same in various religious places across Nepal. Now, this ambitious project will bring mobile coverage to all the highways with the capacity to bridge the digital divide.
While traveling long routes, have you faced a lack or inconsistency of mobile networks? Share with us below in the comments if you think this gigantic project will alleviate the same by the end of one year.
