Communication Minister Jagdish Kharel visited the Ncell Integrated Data Centre (IDC) located in Nakkhu, Lalitpur, on Monday, Mangsir 22, 2082. He was welcomed by Ncell Chairman Satish Lal Acharya, CEO Michael Foley, and other members of the Executive Management Team. During his visit, the minister inspected the company’s data center and pledged the government’s support for the private telco.
During the meeting, the Ncell Chairman and CEO briefed Minister Kharel about Ncell, its services, contribution to the economy. They also discussed the impact of the recent Gen Z movement. Ncell says that it has suffered a loss of around Rs. 650 million during the Gen Z protest on Bhadra 24.Ncell ICON in Kathmandu. During the hostile times, the Ncell office in Lainchaur (Ncell ICON) suffered vandalism as well.
Despite the mob, the company promptly brought back its services. After the vandalism, the company started providing service from its Nakkhu office.
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Minister Kharel lauds Ncell role for Nepal’s telco industry and national economy
Minister Kharel appreciated Ncell’s role in the development of the telecommunications sector and its contribution to the national economy. He also pledged the government’s support and urged Ncell to expand its services in the Everest region and ensure that quality service is available at an affordable price in rural areas of the country. To this, the telco shared its plan to strategically install 5 new towers to launch 4G services up to Gorak Shep, which is a significant region in the trekking route up to the Everest Base Camp (EBC).
“I am saddened by the loss of around Rs. 650 million caused to Ncell during the Gen Z movement. The government is committed to creating an environment conducive to investment in Nepal, especially foreign direct investment (FDI). We should promote investment. The government is with Ncell,” he said. He also applauded Ncell’s plan to launch a Gen Z Pack for students and the company’s initiative to set up a fund to provide scholarships to 100 students annually.
Ncell to launch scholarship for SEE-appearing students, Gen Z pack
In the meeting, Ncell CEO Foley announced scholarships for 100 Secondary Education Examination (SEE)–appearing students every year and committed a fund of Rs 1 crore (Rs. 10 million) for this social initiative. “In line with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology’s suggestion, and our commitment to making services easily accessible to youth, we are soon launching a Gen Z Pack for students to address their communication service requirements,” he said.
Foley highlighted Ncell’s commitment to serving Nepal with renewed determination and resilience, supporting the government’s aspiration of building a Digital Nepal. He said that the Ncell IDC is one of the major backbones of the digitalization drive, and every connection Ncell builds empowers individuals, businesses, and communities to create a positive and lasting impact.
Foley recently said that Ncell requires a clear and transparent policy from the government for it to launch 5G, and highlights that digital Nepal’s future lies with the next-generation cellular technology.
Ncell contribution to the government and social projects
Over its 20 years, Ncell has remained an indispensable force for Nepal’s digital transformation. It has not only reinforced the country’s ICT landscape but also driven economic growth, created jobs, and promoted a vision of a digital Nepal. The company has contributed nearly Rs 360 billion in taxes and fees as of FY 2024/25. It has supported over 1 lakh jobs directly and indirectly, and also promoted digital transactions for all, including small and medium enterprises.
There’s a possibility of Ncell launching fully fledged subscription-based telecom services in the near future, too.
Ncell is also active with its corporate social responsibilities (CSR) to make meaningful changes in society. Through Ncell Foundation and CSR initiatives, it has invested over Rs 2 billion in social projects to uplift education, health, environmental health, etc.
Minister Kharel acknowledged that Ncell has suffered a huge loss and is ready for any possible support from the government.
