A Look Back at Nepal’s Telecom Industry in 2025: Key Highlights

As we get closer to the end of 2025, it’s time we get you the dose of all the telecom developments from this year. The year has seen some innovative technologies in Nepal’s cellular/communication technologies, while the 5G show continues to undermine the next big transformation. Anyway, the year hasn’t gone for nothing as there are many hits too. So, in this post today, we follow our yearly ritual and jot down all the major telecom industry highlights in Nepal in 2025.

Without much ado, let’s get going with what the telecommunication industry brought for Nepal in 2025:

Highlights in the telecom industry in Nepal in 2025

VoWiFi begins

In early 2025, both Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell, Nepal’s two operators, launched VoWiFi (WiFi Calling service). It was a long-anticipated technology, and finally, users now have it available on compatible handsets. The service enables users to connect to a WiFi network and place calls with HD voice quality while not requiring a cellular network nearby. If you are not able to get mobile network coverage or during a cellular network outage, you can resort to WiFi Calling on your phone. The launch of WiFi Calling was certainly one of the telecom industry highlights for Nepal in 2025.

Check out:

• How to activate Ntc VoWiFi
• Ncell VoWiFi activation, compatibility, tariffs

4G users mark a new high

According to NTA’s Ashoj data, Nepal’s 4G user base has surpassed 2.59 crore. With Ntc and Ncell boasting a customer base of 1.42 crore and Rs 1.16 crore, respectively. Also, Ntc’s 4G has now reached 749 out of 753 local levels, almost reaching blanket coverage. Ncell also has 4G coverage in over 95% of local bodies across the country. Both companies are actively expanding 4G and upgrading their services.

Nagdhunga tunnel to get 4G service

NT announced its initiative to establish a mobile network in the Nagdhunga tunnel, Nepal’s first-ever tunnel transport. The company is deploying a leaky feeder technology that will beam 4G services, keeping the tunnel areas connected to a reliable broadband network for passengers. The company has announced an international competitive bidding (ICB) to help bring connectivity to the 2.7 km long Pride project.  

Tilicho, Langtang gets 4G network

This year, Ntc expanded 4G in the Tilicho trekking route, the Langtang-Kyanjin trail, and other remote regions significant for tourism and national connectivity goals. Similarly, the company was able to extend network coverage in several parts of the Gandaki and Karnali provinces. Further, Ncell installed 20 new cell towers in just 10 days in different areas in Madhesh Province, Bagmati, and Koshi Provinces. In a gist, 2025 was another year of aggressive 4G expansion from both Ntc and Ncell.  

Legacy network shutdown decisions

The year also saw both telecom companies announce that they would phase out their legacy networks. Ntc has announced its plan to shut down 2G in the 1800 MHz band, while Ncell’s 3G is being phased out, too. By doing this, the telcos are freeing up resources that can be refarmed for next-gen technologies such as 4G and 5G. The talk of 2G (in 1800 MHz band) and 3G network shutdown dominated the industry for long, but the year saw an ice break in that direction. It’s also great news as telcos can now shift more focus and resources to 5G.

5G launching, finally!

There are also talks that Ntc might launch 5G soon in Kathmandu and Pokhara before expanding it to more cities. The company’s board has requested NTA for spectrums, and once granted, it will start procurement of the necessary gear for the next-gen telco. The government-backed telco started a 5G trial in February 2022 but halted, citing a lack of 5G phones. Now, the ecosystem has grown by leaps and bounds, and there is a vigorous process to roll it out soon. Let’s hope 2026 has that in the bag.

Ntc tender for new billing system

Ntc has its path cleared to open its price bid for its real-time convergent billing system. The company has been seeking to install a new billing system that is far more efficient and able to withstand a heavy workload. Initially, there were some doubts about the proceedings; however, the investigation committee has not found any concrete evidence suggesting any foul play, giving the company the right to resume further proceedings.

The company’s network has suffered various network outages, and most have been attributed to the old billing system. In 2026, the company could finally implement a modern and reliable billing system for everyone’s good.

Ntc proceeds with a major data center construction

Ntc has proceeded with constructing its data center in Kathmandu and Bhairahawa, which will be used as the primary data center and a disaster recovery center, respectively. The company aims to use the data center to bolster its efficiency and provide more efficient customer services. Huawei will build the NT data center, estimated to be worth Rs 484 million.  

Ncell appoints new CEO in Foley

2025 also saw leading telco Ncell appoint a new CEO, Michael Foley, who started serving on November 01, 2025. The seasoned telecom professional takes his role during a challenging time as the industry faces revenue decline and stiff policy detriments. He has emphasized the role of Ncell in the digital transformation of Nepal and stressed that the telco will continue to bring in innovative services while creating new opportunities.

Ncell starts 971 number range

Ncell has started issuing new mobile numbers starting with 971. The company says that the new number range will address the need for new Ncell cell numbers. It’s already in circulation, but if there’s any issue in receiving OTP, it’s common with new numbers. Such issues are ironed out within a few weeks. The telco brought new numbers after obtaining permission from the regulator, NTA.

Ncell starts renewal packs

The talk of the telco industry’s challenges and mitigating efforts continued in 2025. And one of the measures that surfaced was subscription-based telecom services. Aligning with that, Ncell launched renewal packs that auto renews after a pack reaches its validity. The condition is that the user should have sufficient balance for the pack. It’s not a fully fledged autorenewal pack, as the telcos have said is necessary. But the pack reflects that direction, and it may be necessary to,o given that the industry has seen revenues sharply decline in recent years.

Fiber user base marks milestone

2025 also saw Nepal’s fiber internet user base surpassing 32.89 lakh, in another standout figure for the fixed-broadband industry. The growth of FTTH internet across Nepali households means more people are connected to the internet. Despite cellular service having more subscription figures, fiber internet access means more users are connected at homes and offices through a single subscription. By NTA’s estimate, 4. 2026 will see this number grow further as more areas are yet to be covered by fiber internet.

WorldLink surpasses 1 million customer milestone

2025 also saw prominent ISP WorldLink reach and surpass an enviable 1 million customer milestone, being the first in Nepal’s ISP market. The private ISP boasts 10.35 lakh customers as of Ashoj 2082, as per the NTA record. While staying comfortably ahead, it has left the likes of Vianet, Subisu, and Dish Home far behind.

Internet museum opened

On July 07, 2025, Nepal saw the establishment of the country’s first internet museum, owing to WorldLink, which highlights the journey of the internet and the company’s own history to date. The facility is open at Kusunti, Lalitpur, and takes a small amount to enter. If you want to find out the development of the internet and the private ISP from history to date, you can pay a visit there. More details: WorldLink internet Museum, history on display

Free WiFi in Kathmandu

In 2025, the nation’s capital, Kathmandu, was provided with free WiFi in 19 public areas thanks to the active initiation of the current communication minister, Jagdish Kharel. These areas include multiple hospitals, the airport, and Tribhuvan International Airport. The government collaborated with service providers such as Nepal Telecom, WorldLink, and Vianet to establish free WiFi for people in key public areas. It was worth mentioning this list as a key telecom industry highlight in 2025 for the country.

Ratnapark gets 500 Mbps free WiFi

Continuing with free WiFi access, Ratnapark got free WiFi access too. Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has led an initiative to install six routers at the popular park to deliver 500 Mbps WiFi service. While the internet is free for all, visitors need to pay a fee to enter. Thankfully, it’s not that much, starting at Rs 20 for a student. Free WiFi at public parks, stadiums, airports, hospitals, etc., is not a luxury, but a necessity. We can be thankful for this.

WiFi 6 service launch

2025 also saw the launch of the WiFi 6 service from WorldLink and Ntc. Though not first at it, these two now bring next-generation reliability and performance for their subscribers through WiFi 6 routers. The majority of users in Nepal are on WiFi 5, so an upgrade to WiFi 6 will elevate the overall performance from speed, consistency, number of connected devices, latency, etc.

Also, check out: Nepal Telecom’s WiFi 6 price and packages

National AI policy approved

This year, the government approved the National AI Policy 2082, which seeks to build on robust innovation and incorporate AI in e-governance. The initiative acknowledges the growing need for AI, its ethical use, and its significance for digital transformation. In the long run, the national policy could play a key role in uplifting the whole AI use and its implementation in all possible sectors, public and private, in Nepal. It’s safe to say that AI in Nepal was a key industry trend in Nepal in 2025 and will be more dominant in 2026.

Social media ban and vandalism

As much as we want to forget or ignore talking about it, it must be mentioned, too. The government announced a ban on 26 social media platforms on September 04, 2025, citing their failure to register with the communication ministry. This was one of the factors leading to the Gen Z protests. The ban was lifted a few days late,r but that was after too much damage. Anyway, during the unrest, vandalism affected the services of Ncell, Ntc, and several ISPs. But thanks to their diligent effort and dedication, communication services were resumed within hours.  

National ID enough for voter ID registration

In another digital initiative, the government of Nepal unlocked a facility for eligible Nepalese to register their Voter ID using their National ID card online. This facilitated thousands of citizens to register for the upcoming election on March 05, 2026 (Falgun 21) on their smartphones on the go. You can check your voter ID details online too.

Looking ahead: Major expectations for 2026

New Telco Act

One of the major cries for Nepal’s telco industry is the prevalent Telecommunications Act 2053. The experts and stakeholders have long called for amendments to it to no avail, though there are certainly talks in favor of it by the government itself. The license renewal fee of Rs 20 billion has been talked about as a major concern. The whole industry is also feeling the brunt of heavy taxation, which is raising questions about companies’ ability to sustain. So, these should be some of the top wish lists for 2026, which should bring much relief to the industry.

5G launch for the public

We can’t stress enough how much the public has wished for it and dspite attmpts from Ntc and Ncell both, it hasn’t happened. But in the recent past, NT has also made some efforts, thanks to the pressure from the government. So, it’s highly possible that 2026 will see 5G network in Nepal for the public, starting from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Many have bought 5G phones for that purpose alone, and they can’t wait any longer to test the 5G data speed.

All-Nepal 4G coverage

Over 98% of local levels now have Ntc 4G coverage, while Ncell also boasts a similar high penetration. 2026 will certainly have a nationwide extension of the network. This will pave the way for telcos and the government to let go of 2G and 3G and focus on 4G and 5G only. The legacy networks are almost a liability for the companies, and only by ensuring 100% 4G access can they shut down the dated networks. That can take a tangible shape in 2026.

Strict monitor on misinformation during the elections

The country goes to vote in early 2026, but before that might be a flood of misinformation to swing votes. To ensure a fair and transparent election, the election commission, social media companies, telcos, regulator, etc. must come together to avert the spread of wrong, incorrect information. It’s certainly one of the must-happen things for 2026. Elections are a democratic practice, and no matter the party or political faiths, the elections have to be transparent and fair, and in this digital age, telecom service providers must play a key role to contain the spread of misinformation of any sort during the elections.

Check out: Social media rules in Nepal: List of what you can’t do?

Conclusion: Telecom industry in Nepal in 2025

Above all, the no-show of 5G was another talk of the country in 2025. But the social media ban did much damage in different ways. The launch of free WiFi access, 4G, and fiber coverage expansion was another highlight. Much is in the bag for the next year, 2026.

What was the key moment of the telecom industry in Nepal in 2025? You can share with us in the comment section below.

NepaliTelecom.com extends the warmest and happiest new year 2026 to all the readers for their support and wishes.