Nepal Telecom (NTC) has started fiber to the home (FTTH) network in Dolpa district from Baisakh 02, 2081. As part of the campaign to provide high-speed internet across the country, the state-backed telecom giant started the next-generation fixed-line broadband network in the remote district of the country.
FTTH enables customers to receive high-speed Ntc fiber internet NT Fiber at their homes. Additionally, the customers will also have an option to get voice and IPTV services. The communication minister Rekha Sharma virtually inaugurated the Ntc FTTH fiber network in Dolpa from Singha Durbar.
On the occasion, Minister Sharma said that the government’s campaign to provide optical fiber internet throughout the country is now being realized. On the same occasion, she also requested the officials of Nepal Telecom to extend this service to at least the center of every municipality. “Government does seek for profit only, even if there is a loss, it will not deprive citizens of remote areas of information and communication facilities. She added, “Government has given priority to the policy of providing internet services throughout the country.”
Dolpa becomes the 75th district to get Ntc FTTH fiber network
Ntc has made it a priority to extend its FTTH fiber network across all 77 districts as soon as possible. In that very drive, Dolpa has become the 75th district. That leaves only Mugu and Humla without the company’s next-generation broadband service but there won’t be a long wait for that. Ntc says that its FTTH service will soon reach Mugu while there’s a plan to extend it in Humla in 2081. Previously, Ntc had extended its FTTH network in East Rukum as its 74th district to get high-quality broadband service.
Ntc FTTH fiber network is now available in 75 distrcits across Nepal with Humla and Mugu left for the high-quality broadband network
Ntc replaced its ADSL internet service with fiber which provides much reliable and consistent broadband service. Thanks to the rapid copper-to-FTTH fiber migration, the company has made incredible strides in upgrading its traditional broadband infrastructure. Unlike copper cable, Ntc provides internet, voice, and IPTV (NT TV) services Triple Play via a single fiber cable.
At the event, Minister Sharma asked the Ntc authorities to pay special attention to the fact that due to the lack of internet, even basic services are unreachable to the citizens and the government is also interested in that. She also urged to make the service more qualitative and effective along with the accessibility of the service.
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Internet is the basis for the Digital Nepal- Minister Sharma
Minister Sharma shared that the lack of electricity and reliance on solar power has made it difficult for quality telecom services. However, she promised to expand internet service even if it requires using alternative technology. In cases where transporting modern telco infrastructure is not possible, Ntc uses VSAT for communication services. Admitting that challenges remain in the development of telecommunication, she said that it needs efforts from everyone to address them. The minister also emphasized that the internet is the foundation for Digital Nepal.
Former minister Satya Pahadi was also among the participants at the event at Singha Durbar. Speaking on the Ntc FTTH launch in Dolpa, he said that it’s important to start effective communication services in the very district. He maintained that the remote region is lagging behind in telecommunications. He also drew the attention of Minister Sharma to expand the service to more areas enhance the service quality and make them sustainable. “There may be a tower but no phone, there may be internet access but it doesn’t work properly, attention should be paid to that”, Pahadi said.
Ntc aims at achieving a nationwide FTTH coverage in the next 12 months
Likewise, the Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MoCIT) and Chairman of Ntc Board of Directors Ramkrishna Subedi promised to provide FTTH service in all districts. He also said that despite various challenges, services will be available in Mugu and Humla in the near future.
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“Government’s role is the key to expanding communication services to remote areas”
He stressed that in the age of information and technology, it is the responsibility of the government to reach the areas that the private sector has not been able to reach. Mentioning that expansion, quality, and security are important areas, Secretary Subedi talked of the need to take a leap in communication technology.
54% of Ntc services rely on solar power and the company is paying a serious attention to address this
Umesh Prasad Shah, Director of Nepal Telecom Provincial Directorate, Karnali who participated virtually from Dolpa in the program, said that since 54 percent of services are dependent on solar, there is a problem in service delivery, but special attention has been paid to improve the service.
Tulsi Prasad Dahal, Chief District Officer (CDO) of Dolpa, said that telecommunication services are available only in limited places in the district. He said that the FTTH network launched today has proved to be a milestone for the people in Dolpa, which is facing a major problem due to lack of internet service. You may also read: Fiber internet users reach 28.64 lakh in Nepal, Latest data
Similarly, Dolpa’s District Coordination Committee chief Shyam Roka expressed happiness that the state has started providing communication services to the scattered settlements of Dolpa.
After Dolpa, Ntc will now work on launching its popular FTTH fiber network in Mugu and Humla. This will ensure nationwide FTTH coverage for the country’s largest communication company.
