The number of 4G users has reached over 2.56 crore in Nepal. At the same time, mobile broadband reached 87.90% in population penetration proportion, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) highlights in its latest MIS report for Ashar, 2082.
As per the latest report for Ashar 2082, 4G users in Nepal reached 2 crore, 56 lakh, 36 thousand, 9 hundred, and 42. The fourth-generation network accumulated over 1.54 lakh subscribers in between a month period. In Jestha 2082, there were 2 crore, 54 lakh, 82 thousand, 6 hundred, and 47 across Nepal.
The table below highlights the 4G user data of Nepal between Ashar and Jestha, 2082.
| 4G users in Nepal (Ashar 2082) | 4G users in Nepal (Jestha 2082) | Difference |
| 25,636,942 | 25,482,647 | 1,54,295↑ |
The numerical figures in these stats change constantly. However, Nepal continues to see growth in fourth-generation technology, and they 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, 40 lakh, 3 thousand, 5 hundred and 91 4G users. The company grew its 4G base by over 1 lakh and 8 thousand subscribers from the previous month. In Jestha 2082, the company’s 4G users stood at 1 crore, 38 lakh, 95 thousand, 2 hundred and 22 users. Similarly, Ncell is serving 1 crore, 16 lakh, 33 thousand, 3 hundred, and 51 users. In Jestha 2082, the company had a total user base of 1 crore, 15 lakh, 87 thousand, 4 hundred, and 25 users on its 4G network.
The table below clearly shows 4G user base of Ntc and Ncell from the NTA records in Ashar and Jestha of 2082.
| Telecom companies | Ashar, 2082 | Jestha, 2082 | Difference |
| Nepal Telecom (NTC) | 14,003,591 | 13,895,222 | 108,369↑ |
| Ncell | 11,633,351 | 11,587,425 | 45,926↑ |
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. 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.
Dependency on connectivity is not a luxury now, but a need, and 4G elevates our ways 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.
