KATHMANDU: The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has instructed mobile service providers to prepare and submit a phased roadmap for launching 5G mobile services in Nepal, while prioritizing the nationwide expansion and quality improvement of 4G networks.
In an eight-point directive issued on Friday under Section 15 of the Telecommunications Act, 1997 (2053 BS), the regulator ordered operators, including Nepal Telecom and Ncell, to strengthen service quality, comply with regulatory requirements, protect consumer interests and promote the adoption of new technologies.
The NTA has directed telecom operators to formulate a phased plan for launching 5G services, beginning with major urban areas, and submit it to the regulator. At the same time, operators have been instructed to expand 4G coverage across the country and enhance the quality of existing services.
According to the authority, the measures are expected to accelerate the rollout of high-speed mobile internet and facilitate the deployment of next-generation telecommunications technologies in Nepal.
The regulator has also emphasized the efficient use of the country’s limited radio frequency spectrum, directing operators to maximize the utilization of allocated frequencies and promote infrastructure sharing to reduce duplicate investment, lower costs and improve network expansion.
The NTA said effective implementation of the directives is expected to improve overall mobile service quality, accelerate the expansion of 4G and future 5G services, strengthen consumer protection and foster wider adoption of advanced telecommunications technologies across Nepal.
