Last Updated on August 12, 2026
Summary✨
- United Telecom Limited (UTL) aims to revive operations and launch 5G services if it renews its telecom license.
- UTL has submitted a renewal application and requested to pay only the principal amount of over Rs 30 billion in dues, waiving interest and penalties.
- The company plans to invest Rs 40 billion into launching a 5G network immediately after license renewal.
- NTA has previously revoked UTL’s internet license but may consider renewal if the company clears its outstanding dues.
United Telecom Limited (UTL) is planning its revival and start 5G services in Nepal. The bombshell development is running the headlines after rumors broke that the company’s stakeholder Rajbahadur Singh discussed paying for license renewal and 5G launch.
Shah is a major stakeholder in Nepal Ventures which is the local shareholder of UTL. It has emerged that his ideas have fallen positively to government.
UTL’s telecom license expires on Bhadra 19. But the company has already submitted its application for the renewal of its license.
UTL has requested an arrangement to pay only the principal amount, with interest and penalties waived. The company has outstanding dues of over Rs 30 billion. According to the sources, the company is ready to pay Rs 13 billion if the government relaxes interest and penalties, Bizmandu reports.
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UTL plans to launch 5G
More strikingly, UTL seeks to start 5G network in Nepal immediately if its license is renewed by Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). The company’s sources have said that its partners are ready to kickstart 5G services. The company has reportedly estimated a budget of Rs 40 billion for 5G.
UTL’s shares are divided among India’s Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL)- 26.68%, Telecommunications Consultants India (TCIL)- 26.66%, Tata Communications- 26.66%, and Nepal Ventures- 20% share. Complying with Nepal’s regulations, Nepal Ventures is the local firm holding 20% of shares for a project with foreign investment in a telecom company.
| UTL shareholders | Onwership |
| Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), India | 26.68% |
| Telecommunications Consultants India (TCIL) | 26.66% |
| Tata Communications | 26.66% |
| Nepal Ventures | 20.00% |
| Total | 100% |
Recently, NTA launched Nepal’s Road-to-5G draft for the operation of 5G. The document has proposed spectrums for 5G, giving operators liberty to choose between SA and NSA 5G, and more. At the same time, recently, we also saw NTA calling for 5G plans from operators as the authority gave 8 directives to telcos to improve mobile services.
Greenfield 5G from UTL
UTL’s said plan for the next-gen technology makes it intriguing, especially as the company is merely struggling to keep its license alive. But if it comes true, UTL could become Greenfield 5G network provider here in Nepal with no other choice but SA. That way, they can be efficient in providing high-quality voice via VoNR and ultra-high speed data service using 5G in Nepal. Good for Nepal and Good for them as well.
NTA has already revoked UTL’s internet license in Mangsir 2080 for failing to pay the fee.
But according to sources, NTA is likely to consider renewing UTL’s license if the company pays its outstanding dues as required by law, as per sources. UTL holds a basic telephone service license, but it hasn’t been able to provide the service.
Now, all eyes will be on the government and the related ministries on how it proceeds with UTL’s license renewal. In the meantime, if it does it license renewal, we will be keeping an eye on the company’s plans with 5G in Nepal.
FAQs on UTL license renewal and 5G launch plan
United Telecom Limited (UTL) is planning to revive its operations by renewing its telecom license and launching 5G services in Nepal. The company has indicated that it wants to move ahead with 5G immediately after its license is renewed.
UTL has outstanding dues of more than Rs 30 billion. The company has reportedly requested a waiver of interest and penalties and said it is ready to pay around Rs 13 billion as the principal amount if such an arrangement is approved.
UTL has estimated that it would require more than Rs 40 billion to develop and operate a 5G network. The company says its foreign partners are ready to support the investment and launch 5G services.
UTL is jointly owned by Indian and Nepali shareholders. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) holds 26.68%, Telecommunications Consultants India (TCIL) holds 26.66%, Tata Communications holds 26.66%, and Nepal Ventures holds the remaining 20%.
UTL’s basic telephone service license is set to expire on Bhadra 19, 2083. The company has already applied for renewal. However, its renewal is significant because UTL has outstanding dues exceeding Rs 30 billion and has previously had its internet service license revoked for failing to pay the required renewal fee.
