Nepal Telecom launches 4G services
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State-owned operator Nepal Telecom has launched 4G services over the 1800-MHz band in the Kathmandu and Pokhara areas. The operator has upgraded 308 base stations in the Kathmandu area and 25 in Pokhara to support 4G services.
Currently Nepal Telecom is only able to provide 4G using 5 MHz of 1800-MHz spectrum, limiting peak data speeds to 32.4Mbps. But the operator has asked regulator NTA for another 5 MHz, which will allow a speed increase to 100 Mbps.
According to the report, the company is currently providing 4G data services at 3G rates – a base rate of 1 rupee ($0.0091) per megabyte – but plans to reduce the tariff shortly.
The network is at present only available for Nepal Telecom’s GSM postpaid customers. The operator is also yet to make a deal with Apple to allow the use of iOS devices on its 4G network
Nepal Telecom secured a 4G operating license in October, after the NTA approved the operator’s 4G application the previous month. The operator plans to progressively roll out 4G nationwide.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific areas in Nepal can currently access Nepal Telecom's new 4G services?
Which specific areas in Nepal can currently access Nepal Telecom's new 4G services?
Nepal Telecom's 4G services are currently available in the Kathmandu and Pokhara areas. In Kathmandu, 308 base stations have been upgraded, and 25 have been upgraded in Pokhara to support the new service.
Q.What is the current maximum data speed users can expect from Nepal Telecom's 4G service, and why is it limited?
What is the current maximum data speed users can expect from Nepal Telecom's 4G service, and why is it limited?
Peak data speeds are currently limited to 32.4Mbps because Nepal Telecom is only using 5 MHz of 1800-MHz spectrum for its 4G service. The operator has requested an additional 5 MHz from the regulator.
Q.Are all Nepal Telecom customers able to use the new 4G network yet, and are there any device limitations?
Are all Nepal Telecom customers able to use the new 4G network yet, and are there any device limitations?
No, the network is currently only available for Nepal Telecom’s GSM postpaid customers. Also, the operator has not yet finalised a deal with Apple, so iOS devices cannot currently be used on its 4G network.
Q.How much does Nepal Telecom currently charge for 4G data services, and does it plan to change this price?
How much does Nepal Telecom currently charge for 4G data services, and does it plan to change this price?
Nepal Telecom is currently providing 4G data services at 3G rates, which is a base rate of 1 rupee per megabyte. The company plans to reduce this tariff shortly after launch.
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