KATHMANDU: Nepal’s internet market continued to expand rapidly in the past year, with the total number of subscribers increasing by more than 325,000, according to the latest data from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA).
The total number of internet subscribers increased from 3,248,674 at the end of the previous fiscal year to 3,573,955 by the end of Shrawan, the first month of the current fiscal year 2083/84.
The market added 325,281 subscribers in one year, representing growth of around 10 percent.
The increase highlights growing demand for internet services as broadband connectivity becomes increasingly essential for households, businesses, education, entertainment, digital payments and other online activities.
At the same time, competition among internet service providers (ISPs) has intensified. Most of the leading providers expanded their customer base, while Subisu CableNet and Websurfer Nepal Communication System recorded declines.
Classic Tech posted the strongest growth among the major providers, adding more than 105,000 subscribers in a single year.
Classic Tech makes biggest leap
Classic Tech recorded the fastest subscriber growth among Nepal’s leading ISPs.
According to NTA data, the company’s subscriber base increased from 190,737 in Shrawan of the previous fiscal year to 295,797 by the end of Shrawan this year.
The company added 105,060 subscribers in one year, significantly expanding its presence in the highly competitive broadband market.
The sharp increase has also improved Classic Tech’s position among the country’s leading ISPs, putting greater pressure on established competitors.
Subisu loses more than 31,000 subscribers
While several providers expanded rapidly, established ISP Subisu CableNet experienced a significant decline in its subscriber base.
Subisu’s customers fell from 302,093 in the previous year to 270,171 by the end of Shrawan.
The company lost 31,922 subscribers over the year, reflecting the growing competitive pressure in Nepal’s fixed broadband market.
The decline also shows that established brands are facing increasing challenges in retaining customers as consumers have more choices among internet providers.
WorldLink retains market leadership
WorldLink Communications continues to dominate Nepal’s internet market by subscriber numbers.
According to NTA data, WorldLink had 1,102,984 subscribers by the end of Shrawan, compared with 1,024,388 a year earlier.
The company added 78,596 subscribers during the year.
WorldLink’s subscriber base accounts for more than 30 percent of the total internet market, giving it a substantial lead over its competitors.
The company has continued to expand its fiber network and offer higher-speed broadband services as competition for customers intensifies.
Vianet and Dish Media maintain strong positions
Vianet Communication also recorded strong subscriber growth during the year.
Its subscriber base increased from 322,542 to 379,696, adding 57,154 subscribers in one year.
Dish Media Network retained its position among the country’s largest ISPs, with its subscriber base increasing from 361,991 to 374,815.
The company added 12,824 subscribers during the year.
WiFi Nepal posts strong growth
WiFi Nepal recorded another notable expansion among the leading ISPs.
Its subscriber base increased from 84,902 to 121,150, representing an addition of 36,248 customers in one year.
The company’s rapid growth has pushed it firmly into the top 10 ISP rankings.
Techminds Network also expanded its subscriber base, increasing from 107,995 to 110,535, while CG Communications increased its customers from 84,116 to 94,520.
Top 10 ISPs in Nepal
According to NTA data for the end of Shrawan 2083, the country’s top 10 internet service providers by subscriber numbers are:
1. WorldLink Communications Ltd.
Subscribers: 1,102,984
WorldLink remains Nepal’s largest ISP. Its subscriber base increased from 1,024,388 a year earlier, adding 78,596 customers during the year.
2. Vianet Communication Pvt. Ltd.
Subscribers: 379,696
Vianet ranks second among Nepal’s ISPs. Its subscriber base increased from 322,542 to 379,696, adding 57,154 customers in one year.
3. Dish Media Network
Subscribers: 374,815
Dish Media Network ranks third. Its subscriber base increased from 361,991 to 374,815, representing an addition of 12,824 customers.
4. Classic Tech Pvt. Ltd.
Subscribers: 295,797
Classic Tech recorded the strongest growth among the leading ISPs. Its subscriber base increased from 190,737 to 295,797, adding 105,060 customers in one year.
5. Subisu CableNet Pvt. Ltd.
Subscribers: 270,171
Subisu ranks fifth after experiencing a significant decline in subscribers. Its customer base fell from 302,093 to 270,171, resulting in a loss of 31,922 subscribers.
6. Websurfer Nepal Communication System
Subscribers: 173,508
Websurfer’s subscriber base declined from 176,541 to 173,508. The company lost 3,033 subscribers during the year.
7. WiFi Nepal Pvt. Ltd.
Subscribers: 121,150
WiFi Nepal recorded strong growth, increasing its subscriber base from 84,902 to 121,150. The company added 36,248 customers in one year.
8. Techminds Network Pvt. Ltd.
Subscribers: 110,535
Techminds Network increased its subscriber base from 107,995 to 110,535, adding 2,540 customers during the year.
9. CG Communications Pvt. Ltd.
Subscribers: 94,520
CG Communications expanded its customer base from 84,116 to 94,520, adding 10,404 subscribers over the year.
10. Broadlink Network and Communications Pvt. Ltd.
Subscribers: 53,617
Broadlink remains in 10th position. Its subscriber base increased marginally from 53,585 to 53,617, representing an addition of 32 subscribers.
Market competition intensifies
The latest figures show that Nepal’s internet market is expanding while its competitive landscape is also changing.
WorldLink continues to maintain a commanding lead, while Vianet and Dish Media Network remain firmly positioned among the largest providers. Classic Tech’s rapid expansion, however, stands out as the biggest shift among the leading ISPs.
Meanwhile, the decline in subscribers at Subisu and Websurfer highlights the growing challenge for established providers to retain customers in an increasingly competitive market.
With internet use expanding across households, businesses, education, entertainment, digital payments and other online services, demand for broadband connectivity is likely to remain strong.
For ISPs, however, the next phase of competition will increasingly depend not only on adding new subscribers but also on network quality, speed, pricing, customer service and the ability to retain existing customers.
