The wait for the 4G is over for Ncell user as Ncell 4G is now accessible in Kathmandu Valley as well as In Dhulikhel and Nagarkot. Since Nepal Telecom has already started its 4G service in Kathmandu and Pokhara and the wait is over for Ncell user too. According to Ncell, 4G will be live in Pokhara from 1st July and other cities very soon.
Previously, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) directed the NTA to prevent Ncell from operating the 4G service until the capital gains tax issue was settled. But the approval was granted earlier this month by NTA in spite of Nepal’s technology-neutral spectrum policy, as well as considering the finding from Nepal Development Committee that holding on the approval would adversely affect the consumer’s freedom to use technology and state funds. The Tax dispute is still unresolved and it revolves around the sale of Sweden’s TeliaSonera’s indirect majority stake in Ncell to Malaysia’s Axiata
Managing Director of Ncell, Simon Perkins said,
We are excited about all great impact that 4G/LTE is set to bring to the people and the country. We remain committed to making the best of this award to contribute to achieving the national goal of Digital Nepal.
Talking about the speed of Ncell 4G, officials claim that the upload speed can be 18 Mbps to 3 Mbps and download speed can be 37 Mbps to 10 Mbps. Different operators use different 4G/LTE technology whereas Ncell uses 4G/LTE 1800MHz band the same as NT. Ncell also said that about 15 percent of the population of Nepal will have access to Ncell 4G at the end of 2017. Though the Ncell 4G is limited to some specific districts they will be gradually expanding the coverage area around the country.
For using 4G user must have 4G supported SIM. You can check if your SIM supports 4G or not just by sending SMS to 324 by typing Q and you will receive the confirmation. If not you should visit the nearest Ncell Centre with SIM owner’s citizenship and you can upgrade it for free. Additionally, you will get 1GB with 1-day validity free. You can also stream unlimited music via Yonder App on your 4G enabled SIM and app is available in App Store as well as Play store.
