Nepal preparing to allocate 4G spectrum
In this article (5)
Nepal’s Ministry of Information and Communications is reportedly planning to amend spectrum usage policy to allow the nation’s operators to commercially launch 4G services.
The ministry has decided to adopt a technology neutral policy to allow operators to launch 4G using the 1800-MHz spectrum band.
The ministry had asked previously asked telecoms regulator NTA to devise a 4G action plan within a week that would involve allocating 4G spectrum by the end of the fiscal year in mid-July, the report states.
In response the NTA appointed a consultant to determine spectrum prices, and expects to have the action plan and pricing policy ready to present by tomorrow.
The NTA has repeatedly denied requests from operators including Nepal Telecom and Ncell to allow them to launch 4G services due to confusion over spectrum usage policy. Amending the legislation would clear up this confusion and pave the way for rollouts.
The ministry has also asked the authority to submit a draft of a new M&A policy for telecom operators and prepare a detailed plan for the proceeds of the Rural Telecom Development Fund.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is preventing network operators in Nepal from launching 4G services at present?
What is preventing network operators in Nepal from launching 4G services at present?
Nepal's telecoms regulator, the NTA, has repeatedly denied requests from operators like Nepal Telecom and Ncell. This is due to confusion surrounding the current spectrum usage policy in the country.
Q.Which specific frequency band will 4G services use once they are launched?
Which specific frequency band will 4G services use once they are launched?
The Ministry of Information and Communications has decided to adopt a technology-neutral policy. This will allow operators to launch 4G services using the 1800-MHz spectrum band.
Q.When does the NTA expect to have its 4G action plan and pricing policy ready?
When does the NTA expect to have its 4G action plan and pricing policy ready?
The NTA has appointed a consultant to determine spectrum prices. It expects to have both the action plan and the pricing policy ready to present by tomorrow.
Q.What other tasks has the ministry assigned to the telecoms authority besides 4G allocation?
What other tasks has the ministry assigned to the telecoms authority besides 4G allocation?
The ministry has also asked the authority to draft a new M&A policy for telecom operators. Also, it requested a detailed plan for the proceeds of the Rural Telecom Development Fund.
Reader pulse
Is Nepal's 4G rollout plan timely?
24,203 votes so far