Nepal set to approve 4G launches
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Nepal’s telecoms regulator will soon approve two of the three applications it has received from operators seeking to operate 4G services.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority’s (NTA) Frequency Management Department has recommended that the regulator allow both Nepal Telecom and Ncell to launch 4G services.
But the department rejected the proposal of a third operator, Smart Telecom, after finding that the operator failed to meet certain prerequisites. Eligibility was determined based on factors an operator’s current services and its performance under the Unified License issued to it.
As soon as the NTA board passes the recommendation, Nepal Telecom and Ncell will be able to launch 4G services.
The operators have been requesting to launch 4G for months, by repurposing the 1800-MHz spectrum currently being used to provide 3G services.
But the NTA was not able to approve the proposals until the government passed amendments to the existing radio frequency policy. The ICT ministry has now endorsed the amendments to the policy.
According to the report, Nepal Telecom has asserted it will be able to launch 4G services within two months of receiving a license.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which two operators are expected to receive approval to launch 4G services?
Which two operators are expected to receive approval to launch 4G services?
The NTA's Frequency Management Department has recommended that both Nepal Telecom and Ncell be allowed to launch 4G services. Their applications are awaiting final approval from the NTA board.
Q.Why was Smart Telecom's application for 4G services rejected?
Why was Smart Telecom's application for 4G services rejected?
Smart Telecom's proposal was rejected because the operator did not meet certain prerequisites. Eligibility was assessed based on current services and performance under its existing Unified License.
Q.What spectrum will the approved operators use for their 4G services?
What spectrum will the approved operators use for their 4G services?
The operators intend to repurpose the 1800-MHz spectrum, which they are currently using to provide 3G services. This spectrum will be reallocated for the new 4G offerings.
Q.What was the main obstacle delaying 4G approvals until recently?
What was the main obstacle delaying 4G approvals until recently?
The NTA could not approve the 4G proposals until the government passed amendments to the existing radio frequency policy. The ICT ministry has now endorsed these necessary policy changes.
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