Nepal, a South Asian nation, is landlocked and bordered by India and China. Being primarily mountainous due to the Himalayas, it faces significant geographic challenges affecting telecommunications and technology deployment. The country's population of approximately 30 million people is unevenly distributed, with the majority residing in rural areas, often in rugged, hard-to-reach terrains. The Kathmandu Valley, as the country's urban and economic centre, is the hub for technological innovation and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Nepal has seen advancements in renewable energy, particularly in hydroelectric power, given its rich water resources. The technology sector in Nepal remains largely underdeveloped and underexplored, with potential for growth and development.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 4 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Ncell Axiata is a prominent telecommunications company based in Nepal. The company was established in 2004 and it operates under the ownership of Axiata Group Berhad, a Malaysian multinational telecommunications conglomerate. Ncell Axiata provides a broad range of telecommunications services, supporting the digital needs of individuals and businesses across Nepal.
Nepal Telecom, formally known as Nepal Doorsanchar Company Ltd., is a state-owned telecommunications service provider in Nepal, with the government holding 91.49% of the company's shares. The company, headquartered at Bhadrakali Plaza, Kathmandu, was established as a monopoly in the telecommunications sector until 2003 when United Telecom Limited, the first private sector operator began offering basic telephony services.
The company was initially constructed as part of the Government of Nepal's Fourth Plan in 1913, with telecommunication services between Kathmandu and Raxaul, India. It was...
Smart Cell, formally known as Smart Telecom Private Limited (STPL), is a mobile network service provider operating in Nepal. Established on 1 July 2008, the company has continuously expanded its network coverage across the country. On 28 October 2017, Smart Cell launched its 4G services in major Nepalese cities including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Pokhara. The company remains privately held, underscoring its status as a private mobile network service provider.
United Telecom Limited (UTL) is a telecommunications service provider based in Nepal. Established in 2001, it is a consortium company formed through a joint venture between two Indian public sector undertakings, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), and Nepal Ventures Pvt. Ltd (NVPL). The ownership of UTL is split, with MTNL and TCIL each holding a 26.68% stake, NVPL holding a 20% stake, and the remaining 26.64% being held by various other stakeholders. The company's operations primarily focus on providing a range of telecommunication...