Nepal Telecom has announced plans to discontinue its 2G service in 2024.
During the company’s 21st anniversary celebration on Tuesday, Managing Director Sangita Aryal Pahadi confirmed that the state-owned telecom provider will phase out its 1800 MHz 2G service this year.
Additionally, Nepal Telecom will introduce eSIM services via its mobile app and website, eliminating the need for customers to visit physical counters.
Highlighting the company’s subscriber base, Pahadi shared that Nepal Telecom serves 21.24 million voice service users, with 20.77 million on GSM mobile service, 87,000 on PSTN, and 380,000 on FTTH voice services as of mid-December.
Nepal Telecom Reports Over Rs 6.25 Billion in Profit
Nepal Telecom posted a net profit of Rs 6.23 billion for the fiscal year 2023/24, as revealed in its latest financial report.
“Analyzing the company’s financial status, we recorded total revenue of Rs 42.11 billion and a net profit of Rs 6.23 billion in the fiscal year 2080/81,” the company stated.
Despite a slight decline in profits compared to the previous fiscal year, Nepal Telecom managed to maintain profitability amid challenging economic conditions. By mid-January of the current fiscal year, the company had already generated approximately Rs 20.12 billion in revenue.
Government Pushes for 5G Rollout
Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has urged Nepal Telecom to launch its 5G service without delay.
Speaking at the 21st anniversary event, Minister Gurung emphasized that while developed nations are already preparing for 6G, Nepal must swiftly roll out 5G services in major cities.
“The world is moving toward 6G, and we are yet to fully implement 5G. Nepal Telecom must act immediately to introduce this service in major cities,” he stated.
Gurung also warned that failure to keep pace with global technological advancements could leave Nepal behind. He called for improvements in digital infrastructure across key sectors like agriculture, health, education, energy, and tourism.
Recognizing the growing reliance on data over voice services, the minister urged Nepal Telecom to strengthen its data services to remain competitive in the evolving telecom industry.
Furthermore, he directed Nepal Telecom to expand 4G services nationwide and ensure broadband connectivity at the local level, with round-the-clock maintenance services.
“In terms of service expansion, I am confident Nepal Telecom will soon achieve 4G coverage in every household while prioritizing broadband expansion at the local level,” he said.
With these developments, Nepal Telecom is set to enter a new era of digital transformation, aiming to enhance connectivity and technological growth across Nepal.
