Summary✨
- Nepal Telecom (NTC) plans to phase out Ntc 3G shut down soon, urging users to switch to 4G for better connectivity.
- Users with 3G devices or SIMs will face issues as they won’t connect to 4G and may only access 2G services post-shutdown.
- The transition to 4G is free, requiring users to visit NTC offices with valid identification for SIM replacement.
- NTC anticipates closing 3G by FY 2083/84, while focusing on expanding its 4G and preparing for 5G launch.
- NTC offers numerous advantages with 4G, including faster data, improved call quality, and enhanced services.
Nepal’s leading telecom operator, Nepal Telecom (NTC) is known to be switching off 3G in near future. The company has officially requested users to switch to the 4G network. In a notice, the company has urged existing 3G users to convert to 4G for a fast, stable, and reliable connection, meaning that it is likely to start shutting down the 3G network soon.
The company says that it will soon start upgrading 3G sites to 4G. It means that 3G phasing out will begin soon. NTC has already started shutting down 2G in the 1800 MHz band. Now, it’s gearing up to discontinue 3G to migrate its users to 4G technology. Do read: 3G vs 4G network; which one to choose?
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Ntc to shut down 3G
The notice means that Ntc will start to shut down 3G in the coming days. In its notice, the company encouraged users to activate 4G for their number if they are still on a 3G SIM, which is basically an old SIM that was taken like more than 10, 15 years ago. For such old SIMs, Ntc has requested users to visit the nearest office with either a citizenship, or national ID card, or passport, or driving license, or any government distributed card to verify their details and convert to a 4G SIM. It also says that the 4G conversion is free.
You can learn about all the details on Ntc 4G SIM activation, too.
Ntc also sent SMS to 3G users encouraging them to upgrade to 4G. The message read, “As per the network upgradation plan, 3G service may be interrupted in the near future, and your current SIM does not support 4G. Please visit the nearest Nepal Telecom counter to replace it with a new SIM for free and experience faster internet with high-quality voice calls.”
It’s worth noting that Ncell has started 3G shutdown, leaving Ntc to follow suit. As of writing this article on March 20, 2026, Ncell has phased out its 3G services in Jhapa, Dhankuta, and Tehrathum and will continue shutting down completely within 2026.
Check out: Why should you prefer 4G network?
Who will be affected with 3G shutdown?
When Ntc starts shutting down 3G, it will affect users with the following conditions:
- Users with 3G phones/gadgets
- Users with 3G SIM
SIM and devices with up to 3G support won’t connect to 4G, so users will be left with 2G services only. And worse, the company may also discontinue 2G entirely in the next few years. Telcos worldwide have started sunsetting 2G, 3G and in few years, there will be no 2G, 3G network in most part of the world. Now, in developed countries, they only use 4G and 5G, which enables the operator to focus on 4G/5G expansion and speed improvement. So, it will make the telcos efficient and less burdensome after shutting down 2G, 3G. Check out: Which network (2G or 3G) will shut down first in Nepal?
But the fact is that not many people use feature phones these days. Or at least, it’s possible that people carry more than one phone, with one being a smartphone with 4G support. Most smartphones these days come with 4G support anyway.
But the elderly who have phones with legacy networks only will be barred from services if NT phases out both legacy networks entirely. Once a device can’t connect to the cellular network, it can only connect to WiFi (if supported) for communication services.
Also: How to Check 4G and 5G Band Support on Your Smartphone?
Advantages of using an NTC 4G SIM and phone
Using a 4G SIM and phone comes with all sorts of benefits a cellular company has to offer. These include:
- Extensive coverage
- Much faster data
- Faster call setup and voice
- HD voice through NT VoLTE
- Supports NT VoWiFi (WiFi Calling) services
- Helps with digital life, online payment, social media consumption, posting content, etc.
- Will also support the 5G network in Nepal
- Allows the telco to use resources on 4G for improved services
Besides, the company brings many packs and offers which may turn out to be useful for 4G users with 4G phones. For e.g., data packs with unlimited internet leverage the faster data speed of a 4G network. It enables users to fully benefit from Ntc’s carrier-aggregated 4G for faster data services.
Ntc’s 3G shutdown timeline
Nepal Telecom’s spokesman Rabindra Manandhar has shared that the company plans to phase out 3G by FY 2083/84. The company might as well close down the legacy network in a phased manner. However, there are no concrete details about it.
According to the latest NTA report, Ntc has around 7 lakh 3G users while boasting over 1.45 crore 4G users across Nepal.
In essence, Ntc’s plan to shut down 3G heralds a new evolution in the state-run company. It is currently focusing on the 5G launch and the expansion of 4G across all local levels. Therefore, forsaking the old-generation network will be the right step going forward for the company’s ambitious future.
Will Ntc’s 3G shutdown affect you? You can share with us in the comments section below and also leave your suggestions for the company regarding this and its other services.
