3.26 million Nepalis still using 2G network

KATHMANDU: While the world is embracing the rapid advancements of 6G, Nepal is still grappling with a growing number of 2G users.

According to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, the number of 2G users has surged dramatically from 1.47 million in Baisakh to 3.27 million by Magh.

This represents an increase of nearly 1.8 million new 2G users within just a few months.

Despite the global rollout of 5G networks, the usage of 2G in Nepal remains high, particularly in rural areas.

There are only 920,000 users on 3G, while 2.51 million people have adopted 4G technology. In comparison, the widespread global use of 5G was initiated five years ago.

Arjun Ghimire, a director at the Telecommunications Authority, stated that 2G usage is more prevalent in rural Nepal, with urban areas showing a lower number of 2G users.

He mentioned that while urban dwellers have transitioned to more advanced networks, rural users continue to rely on 2G due to challenges in accessing more advanced technologies, compounded by geographical and infrastructural limitations.

In light of this, the state-owned Nepal Telecom has announced its plans to phase out 2G services, operating on the 1800 MHz band, by the end of the current fiscal year.

While many countries are already preparing for 6G, Nepal still lacks a clear timeline for the commercial launch of 5G services. The government and service providers face various obstacles, including high infrastructure costs, frequency issues, and an unclear regulatory framework, all of which are hindering progress.

Although the Telecommunications Authority has authorized Nepal Telecom to conduct 5G trials in 2077, the country has yet to make substantial progress toward launching 5G.

Nepal Telecom has been conducting studies on 5G for over two years, but company officials have yet to provide a definite date for its official launch.

Despite initial tests, the lack of a clear government policy and appropriate upgrades has led to an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding 5G implementation.

Currently, stakeholders are calling for policy changes from the government and the Telecommunications Authority to facilitate the transition to 5G, but for now, they remain in a “wait and see” mode.

The situation highlights the stark contrast between the technological advances in other parts of the world and the ongoing struggles to modernize Nepal’s mobile network.