4G Surges in Nepal Amidst Persistent Speed and Coverage Issues

Nepal's telecommunications landscape is rapidly evolving, with 4G internet adoption surging and now accounting for the vast majority of broadband subscriptions. Data from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority reveals a consistent monthly influx of new 4G users, pushing the total to over 26.5 million by March 2026. This growth underscores the nation's increasing reliance on mobile internet for daily life and connectivity.

While the expansion of 4G is a significant achievement, it highlights a persistent challenge: the uneven quality of service. Many users, especially those outside major cities, continue to grapple with slow speeds and unreliable connections. This inconsistency forces some individuals, like Nisan Tamang in Solukhumbu, to maintain multiple SIM cards from different providers to ensure basic connectivity, illustrating the practical difficulties faced by a substantial portion of the population.

Furthermore, Nepal lags behind regional peers in adopting next-generation technology. While neighboring India and China have already deployed 5G networks, Nepal's own rollout remains in limbo, with trials conducted years ago yielding no commercial service. The government's current focus appears to be on bolstering existing 4G infrastructure rather than accelerating 5G deployment, a decision that may impact the country's long-term digital competitiveness.

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Ncell network does not work in my village, so I rely on Nepal Telecom. Because coverage changes from place to place, I keep both.