The number of 4G users has reached over 2.58 crore in Nepal. At the same time, mobile broadband reached 89.04% in population penetration proportion, according to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) in its latest MIS report for Bhadra, 2082.
As per the latest report for Bhadra 2082, there are 2 crore, 58 lakh, 64 thousand, and 123 4G users in Nepal. In Shrawan 2082, the figure stood at 2 crore, 57 lakh, 92 thousand, and 939. That means the fourth-generation mobile network saw an increase of over 71 thousand subscribers in a one-month period.
The table below highlights the 4G user data of Nepal between Bhadra and Shrawan, 2082.
| 4G users in Nepal (Bhadra 2082) | 4G users in Nepal (Shrawan 2082) | Difference |
| 25,864,123 | 25,792,939 | 71,184 ↑ |
The numerical figures in these stats change constantly. However, Nepal continues to see growth in fourth-generation technology, and it won’t see any downturn unless 5G in Nepal becomes a reality.
The change in figures is common, but the gist is that 4G dominates Nepal’s mobile broadband scene courtesy of Nepal Telecom and Ncell. They both have a strong GSM mobile service presence throughout the country and provide a range of 4G-backed data packs for their customers.
Both telecom companies provide carrier aggregation (CA) technology for their 4G users, further enhancing their 4G experience with faster data speeds, lower interference, and lower latency.
Check out: 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G all explained in simple terms
Both Ntc and Ncell continue to revolutionize 4G in Nepal
Nepal Telecom (Ntc) and Ncell both provide 4G services via their nationwide GSM mobile networks. According to the NTA report, Ntc has 1 crore, 42 lakh, 9 thousand, and 499 4G users. The company grew its 4G base by over 77 thousand in a month. Likewise, NTA’s Bhadra report shows that private telco Ncell serves 1 crore, 16 lakh, 54 thousand, and 624 users on its 4th-gen network as of Bhadra 2082.
The table below shows 4G user base of Ntc and Ncell from the NTA records in Bhadra and Shrawan, 2082.
| Telecom companies | Bhadra, 2082 | Shrawan, 2082 | Difference |
| Nepal Telecom (NTC) | 14,209,499 | 14,132,045 | 77,454 ↑ |
| Ncell | 11,654,624 | 11,660,894 | 6,270 ↓ |
The fluctuations in statistics are common, but 4G is the best Nepal has to offer. So, both companies may recoup their users in the coming months.
Both NT and Ncell provide 4G SIMs by default, which has further helped expand 4G connectivity in Nepal. These SIM cards also support VoLTE, which provides HD calls. But if you are still on 2G/3G, you can easily activate 4G in Ntc and Ncell.
Currently, both NT and Ncell are at work on the 5G network in Nepal, while the exact timeline for the commercial launch is not known yet.
Also read: How to Check 4G and 5G Band Support on Your Smartphone?
Still a need to focus on 4G quality of service
Both Ntc and Ncell have a profound impact on Nepal’s telecommunication industry. They play a significant role in the country’s digital transformation and connectivity. However, their service quality can still improve. Judging by NTA’s drive test reports, the two companies can do more to enhance their voice and data services to a satisfying extent. There can be different factors affecting 4G speed though.
Dependency on connectivity is not a luxury now, but a need, and 4G elevates our way of life thanks to its high-speed capacity. From paying on smartphones to video-calling, VoLTE, etc., the advanced mobile broadband service has transformed lives. We just need more improvement to unlock more fruits from cellular technology.
Having said that, there are still some users who do not wish to enjoy the 4G connectivity and stick with older technology like 2G, and 3G. The reasons include less awareness of 4G, up to 2G/3G support on their mobile, old phones (not supporting 4G), Old SIM, blaming 4G for using more battery and data volume, etc., at a time when we are contemplating whether it’s time to quit 3G.
Anyway, Nepal’s telcos have made their decision on quitting legacy mobile networks. Nepal Telecom has announced that it will phase out 2G service on 1800 MHz. Similarly, Ncell plans to switch off 3G network by 2025. So, sooner than later, you will have only 4G and above connectivity support on your phone.
Don’t miss: How to get Ntc VoWiFi service | WiFi Calling
How do you rate your company’s 4G service? Do share your average 4G download and upload speed with us in the comment section below.
