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🇳🇵 Nepal /Technology

NTA says it is ready for 5G spectrum auction

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Nepal's telecommunications regulator, the NTA, has finalized frequency allocation for 5G and is preparing for a spectrum auction, signaling readiness to introduce the technology.
  • Both state-owned Nepal Telecom and private operator Ncell have expressed interest and readiness to launch 5G services, with Ncell proposing significant investment for trials and expansion.
  • The Ministry of Information and Communications views 5G as a crucial foundation for smart cities and modern communication systems, aligning with Nepal's digital infrastructure modernization goals.

Nepal is poised to introduce fifth-generation (5G) mobile technology, a move aimed at modernizing the country's digital infrastructure. While approximately 130 countries, including many in South Asia, already offer 5G services, Nepal is now accelerating its preparations.

We are ready to move into the auction process after finalising the spectrum for introducing 5G technology. If service providers are ready, there will be no problem for the authority in distributing spectrum.

— Min Prasad AryalDirector and Spokesperson of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), detailing the readiness for 5G spectrum allocation and auction.

The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), the sector's regulator, has completed the necessary frequency allocation for 5G and is preparing to initiate a spectrum auction. NTA Spokesperson Min Prasad Aryal confirmed these preparations, stating that the authority is ready to proceed with the auction once service providers are prepared.

Both major telecom operators in Nepal are eager to deploy 5G. Nepal Telecom has internally decided to launch services in major cities upon receiving spectrum, having conducted trials years ago. Deputy General Manager Rajendra Dulal noted that the proportion of 5G-enabled mobile handsets in the country has risen to over 20 percent, indicating growing market readiness.

When we conducted trials, only about five percent of mobile handsets in the country were 5G-enabled. Now that figure has risen to more than 20 percent, which shows the market is becoming ready.

— Rajendra DulalDeputy General Manager of Nepal Telecom, explaining the increasing market readiness for 5G based on handset penetration.

Private operator Ncell has been actively seeking spectrum for 5G trials and services for several years, having applied multiple times. The company plans to invest between $200 million and $250 million for 5G trials and broader telecom infrastructure expansion. Ncell CEO Michael Foley has affirmed the company's commitment to Nepal and its financial capacity for such investments, aiming to support enhanced mobile broadband, smart city applications, and Internet of Things (IoT) services.

We want to remain in Nepal. We also have strong investment capacity. There is no debt on our balance sheet. We are ready to invest between 200 and 250 million dollars to expand telecom infrastructure here.

— Michael FoleyCEO of Ncell, affirming the company's commitment and financial capability for investing in Nepal's telecom infrastructure, including 5G.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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