WorldLink becomes Nepal’s top ISP with over 1 million users

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s internet service sector has entered intense competition as companies vie to expand their customer base, according to the latest data from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA).

WorldLink Communications Limited has emerged as the country’s leading internet service provider (ISP), surpassing even state-run Nepal Telecom.

As of the latest update, WorldLink has 1,003,949 internet subscribers.

The company, which targets households, small businesses, and corporate clients, attracted foreign investment two years ago—becoming Nepal’s first ISP to do so—through British International Investment and Dolma Impact Fund.

WorldLink’s rapid growth has also translated into strong financials. The company reported a revenue of Rs 11.12 billion in 2024, a 7.70% increase from Rs 10.33 billion in 2023.

In 2022, its revenue stood at Rs 9.30 billion, according to Care Ratings Nepal.

Currently, WorldLink’s fiber network is primarily urban-focused, but the company plans to expand into rural areas.

Nepal Telecom, the second-largest ISP with 351,912 users, remains the highest profit-generating public enterprise.

As per the government’s 2082 (2025) annual public institution review report, the company has amassed retained earnings of Rs 48.03 billion.

However, its net profit has declined by 21.34%—falling to Rs 6.23 billion in FY 2080/81 from Rs 7.92 billion in FY 2079/80.

Other top ISPs by user base include:

Dish Media Network Ltd – 350,406 users

Subisu Cablenet Ltd – 310,294 users

Vianet Communications Ltd – 245,945 users

Classic Tech Pvt Ltd – 182,986 users

Websurfer Nepal Communications – 176,069 users

Techminds Network Pvt Ltd – 85,891 users

CG Communications Ltd (Chaudhary Group) – 80,854 users

WiFi Nepal Pvt Ltd – 74,029 users

Other ISPs like Broadlink, Fiber World Communications, Sajilo Net, and Connect Nepal Network continue to provide services with smaller user bases.

Despite the growing number of providers, concerns over internet quality remain high.

Users frequently report slow speeds and services not meeting advertised Mbps rates.

Repeated complaints to ISPs often go unanswered, and the NTA has been criticized for its failure to penalize non-compliant service providers.

As competition grows fiercer, ensuring reliable and high-quality internet service remains a pressing challenge in Nepal’s digital landscape.