Telecommunication In Nepal

Major growth in the Nepalese telecom industry has occurred since 1995, following especially World Bank’s assistance. In the latter half of the 1990s, Nepal was growing as fast, if not faster, than any other country in the South Asia region – despite the absence of foreign investment. An important milestone was reached in 1999 when teledensity reached one (fixed) line per 100 inhabitants. The Telecommunication Act of 1997 established a regulatory body, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) on March 4, 1998. Government of Nepal passed the Telecom Policy, 1999 (later replaced by the new Telecom Policy, 2004, but still there are complaints among the market players of non-sufficient regulatory base for the fast developing industry).

Some important Landmarks :

2011           Overall Teledensity of Nepal crossed 50 percent.
2011 - - - - Launching of GSM 3G Data Only Service (Nepal Telecom)
2011 - - - - Launching of Easy Phone SIP PPP Service (Nepal Telecom)
2010 - - - - Launching of Easy Phone SIP Easy Call Service (Nepal Telecom)
2010           High Speed Internet on the Top of the world (Ncell)
2010 - - - - Soft Launch of Easy Phone IP Call Service (Nepal Telecom)
2010           High Speed data Card launched from Ncell. Ncell Connect.
2010 - - - - EVDO Service started (Nepal Telecom)
2010           Blackberry Service launched in Ncell.
2010 - - - - Mero Mobile Rebranded to Ncell.
2009 - - - - Postpaid CDMA Mobile Service started (Nepal Telecom)
2008          Smart Tel awarded license for GSM rural telephony for 4 Development region                other than EDR.
2008 - - - - Broadband ADSL Service launched.(Nepal Telecom)
2008           Nepal Satellite TeleCommunications awarded license for GSM rural telephony in MWDR.
2008 - - - - Teliasonera Aquired Ncell, then Spice Nepal (Ncell)
2007 - - - - GPRS, 3G and CRBT Services introduced in GSM Mobile.(Nepal Telecom)
2007 - - - - Expansion of Internet Bandwidth via Optical link between Nepal & India.(Nepal Telecom)
2007 - - - - National Roaming for CDMA Mobile (Sky Phone) started.(Nepal Telecom)
2006 - - - - CDMA Limited Servies in Kathmandu Valley.(Nepal Telecom)
2005 - - - - Access Network Services.(Nepal Telecom)
2005 - - - - Soft launch of CDMA.(Nepal Telecom)
2005 - - - - Mero MObile GSM Service launched (Ncell)
2004 - - - - Pre-paid Calling Card Service (IN Services).(Nepal Telecom)
2004 - - - - NEPAL TELECOM(Transformation from Corporation to a Company)
2003 - - - - GSM Prepaid Service.(Nepal Telecom)
2003           STM Telecom sanchar licensed for rural Telephony.
2002 - - - - East West Highway Optical Fiber Project.(Nepal Telecom)
2002 - - - - UTL got license for CDMA WLL and Limited mobility.
2000 - - - - Launching of Internet Service.(Nepal Telecom)
2000 - - - - Implementation of SDH Microwave Radio.(Nepal Telecom)
1999 - - - - Launching of GSM Mobile services.(Nepal Telecom)
1997 - - - - Digital Link with D.O.T. India through Optical Fiber in Birgunj - Raxual.(Nepal Telecom)
1996 - - - - Introduction of VSAT services.(Nepal Telecom)
1996 - - - - - Independent Int. Gateway Exchange established.
1996 - - - - - Automation of the entire Telephone Network
1996 - - - - - Conversion of all Transmission link to Digital transmission link
1995 - - - - - Installation of Optical Fiber Network
1984 - - - - - Commencement of STD service
1983 - - - - - Establishment of digital Telephone Exchange
1965 - - - - - First Automatic exchange in Nepal (1000 lines in Kathmandu)
1964 - - - - - Beginning of International Telecommunications Service (HF Radio) to India and Pakistan
1962 - - - - - First Public Telephone Exchange in Kathmandu (300 lines CB)
1955 - - - - - Distribution of telephone line to general public
1935 - - - - - Installation of 25 lines automatic exchange in Royal Palace
1914 - - - - - Establishment of Open wire Trunk Link from Kathmandu to Raxaul (India)
1913 - - - - - Establishment of first telephone lines in Kathmandu

List of Telecommunication companies in Nepal:

·         Nepal Telecom

·         Ncell Pvt. Ltd.

·         United Telecom Limited

·         STM Telecom

·         Smart Telecom

·         Nepal Satellite