Ncell will soon start distributing its SIM cards starting with the 970 range. After reaching the limit on its 98 range, the operator has geared up to sell a new range of numbers to its customers.
In April 2022, the private telco sought approval from the regulator for a new range of SIM numbers. In response, NTA decided on allocating the new range ‘970’ after a board meeting in March, the same year.
Telcos in Nepal issue SIM cards for their GSM service as per the National Numbering Plan. Each operator gets 10 million (1 crore) numbers in each range. Catch out: How To Check If Current SIM Is Registered On Your Name?
“We are pleased to inform you that Ncell Axiata is going to launch a new mobile number starting from 970xxxxxxx as per the letter approved by the Nepal Telecommunication Authority dated 2079-12-6 for the convenience of its customers,” the company said in a notice, “And in the coming days, we will provide our customers with more convenience and more extended service.”
For Ncell, it has been issuing SIM card numbers 980, 981, and 982. And going by the maths, it has the right over 30 million (3 crores) numbers in total from the three available mobile number ranges.
As per NTA, Ncell has sold 1 crore, 68 lakh, and 77 thousand GSM SIM cards in those ranges. It means, Ncell still has over 1.32 crore numbers available. But that calculation could be misleading.
Also read: Nepal Telecom recycles 15 lakhs SIM cards
Ncell to Sell 970 range SIM cards
But Ncell will be wary of issuing new numbers. Because when issuing SIM cards to districts, the company ends up distributing more than is in demand. This also leads to more SIM cards being created than is sought in the market.
Traditionally, SIM cards only went inside mobile phones, mostly in Nepal at least. But these days, the Internet of Things (IoT) has also started. Many devices also require SIM cards to operate with an internet connection. This will soar the demand for them in the future. Ncell is also considering that while seeking for new SIM number range.
Besides, many mobile phone users stop using their SIM cards for long. Such SIM cards will not operate after such period and the operator recycles them for a new customer, after 1 year of crossing the validity period. Check: NTA increases SIM recycle period to 1 year
Ntc, Ncell’s immediate competitor has also begun selling SIM cards in the 97 range which was originally meant for CDMA R-UIM cards. Now, the private telco will also start with a new range.
Do read: Nta Warns Against Random Sale of SIM Cards
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