Ncell has written to the government seeking life after 2029, after the license expires. On Wednesday, 07 January 2026, the private telco submitted a detailed letter to the Sushila Karki-led government requesting to ensure its continuation after reaching 25 years in service. It could also float shares to the public with an IPO in the process. At the moment, Ncell is the only private telco in the country.
Ncell will issue IPO if it gets to continue past 2029
Ncell has expressed commitment to issue an IPO (initial public offering) and give the public and institutions 50% of ownership. Similarly, it’s proposed to increase the current ownership of Nepalese to 50% to sustain its service in the country. The company has presented multiple options for its legal struggles, renewal, and foreign investment.
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Ncell makes a commitment to 5G and fiber
The telco has expressed commitment to invest in cutting-edge new-generation technologies, including for 5G network in Nepal, if ensured continuation past 2029. Ncell CEO Michael Foley said that investment in 5G would take up to 8 years to recover; therefore, making a large investment without a clear future is untenable. Likewise, the company said it would increase investment in high-speed fiber networks and digital infrastructures.
The share purchase agreement should be accepted immediately
Ncell has requested the government to accept and recognize the share purchase agreement. Spectrlite UK had bought Axiata’s 80% of shares in Ncell in 2023. The company argues that NTA renewed its license in 2024 after assessing its technical, financial, and managerial capacity. The company further adds that it has been running at full capacity for three years since the share purchase. It has submitted all the documents confirming all of the details of the buyer to the Department of Industry, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, and NTA.
CEO Foley referred to Article 5 of the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) between Nepal and the United Kingdom (UK) and reminded that there is legal protection against nationalization of foreign investment. The company says that if the government does not review its decisions, it may have to go to international courts as a last resort. However, Foley maintains that this is not a good option for both the country and the company.
Requests equal treatment for license renewal
The private telco reiterated the need for equal treatment as Nepal Telecom (NTC) for renewal provision. It pointed to ‘unfair clause’ in renewal fees and called on the government to make necessary legal arrangements to separate license fees, renewal fees, frequencies, terms of service provision, and taxes of operators and internet service providers (ISPs).
Ncell seeks a win-win solution for all
Ncell has called for a win-win solution with the government in its license renewal saga. It has requested to be relieved of the burden and allowed to do its job.” The company has pointed to its revenue contribution of Rs 3.60 trillion in 21 years and connecting 1.40 crore users.
In gist, the company has urged the government to take immediate action for the resolution of the license renewal past 2029. The company provides GSM mobile service and covers over 95% of the population across the country.
Ncell got its 25-year operating license in September 2004 and expires in August 2029 (Bhadra 2086).
