Nepal Telecom (NTC) has launched its next-generation cellular service 4G in Bherikhola, a remote area lying in Tatopani Rural Municipality 7 and 8 in Jumla district. The high-speed broadband service enables not just internet but also HD voice through VoLTE. The idea of such modern connectivity has excited the locals.
Prior to this, the far-flung area had been deprived of access to even basic telephone service. Bherikhola now has 4G up and running with a base station (mobile tower) established on Thalaledada thanks to the state-backed company Ntc. The modern mobile network launch has the local residents excited. Having had no communication service before, now, they have an advanced mobile service that enables them to watch videos, make calls, and browse the internet on their handsets. Ntc launched its 4G network in Bherikhola in Jumla district on Wednesday, 10 January 2024.
Nepal Telecom office chief of Jumla, Mr. Surya Yadav shared that the 4G along with telephone service was launched in Bherikhola after the tower on Thalaledada came into operation. He added that the company is also working on installing infrastructure to start 2G mobile service.
While 4G is an out-and-out broadband network, 2G is used for reliable voice service. However, 4G also supports voice with Voice Over LTE VoLTE technology. Ntc VoLTE is available with its 4G network. And with such modern services taking over, legacy networks are gradually declining in use becoming a liability for operators. Ntc has already retired WiMAX and shut down CDMA services as they were no longer essential as 4G is now far more dominant. Do read: 2G or 3G? Which Mobile Network Will Shut Down in Nepal?
Bherikhola ends its long wait for a modern communication facility with Ntc 4G
Bherikhola is one classic example of a digital exception. Despite the country leaping into FTTH fiber network and 4G, the remote area was still without a base station for mobile service. The locals had been knocking on the doors of governments for telecommunication in their area. The launch of 4G finally ends their long end for a modern and efficient communication service.
Tatopani Rural Municipality Chairman Nanda Prasad Chaulagain said that after Nepal Telecom’s tower in Thalale started working, the entire Bherikhola area received communication services. The tower was there without function for years as the local body rallied to get it working. As the place is quite remote, the 4G tower has got solar panels to power it for continuous operation. Check out: Latest Ntc Data Pack [2024] Price, Volume, Validity, Process
Tatopani No. 7 Ward Chairman Tilak Rawat said that better late than never, the citizens of Bherikhola now have access to communication services. He said that thousands of citizens of dozens of villages in the Bherikhola area are now in a jovial mood after the start of Ntc 4G.
Ntc 4G coverage has increased to 98% local bodies and the nationwide coverage could be possible this Fiscal Year. 4G along with the FTTH Fiber network are vital components to bridging the digital divide in Nepal. In recent years, Ntc has given priority to upgrading and expanding services rather than profiting from them which is bolstering the penetration of communication services across the country. How does 4G work in your area? Is it satisfying enough? You can share the download and upload speed below in the comment section.
