Ncell boosts 4G network with 250 new towers and capacity upgrade on 2,200 sites

KATHMANDU: In a significant step toward expanding and improving its 4G footprint, Ncell has brought 250 new towers into operation and upgraded capacity of 2,200 sites nationwide last year, enabling customers to enjoy enhanced voice quality and high-speed data services.

This expansion comes at a time when reliable connectivity has become more than a service, it’s a necessity for safety, education, business, and staying close to loved ones, no matter the distance. New towers were installed and brought into operation in various local level and micro markets of all seven provinces, primarily in Madhesh, Lumbini, Koshi and Bagmati Provinces, focusing 4G network enhancement and service expansion.

Province-wise, Ncell installed its towers and took 4G in areas including in Sabhapokhari (Dailekh), Purtimkada (Rukum West) and Bagchaur (Salyan) of Karnali Province. Towers were installed in Ladagada (Doti), Banjariya (Kailali) and Sarswati Tole (Kanchanpur), among other areas of the Sudurpashchim Province. Similarly, dozens of micro markets of Madhesh Province including Hanuman Nagar (Siraha), Bhimpur (Saptari) and Musaharniya (Dhanusha), among others, have benefited from the operation of new towers.

“Now the network works very well even inside my house. It is much better than before,” said Anisa Mandal from Manharpur, Ward No. 17 of Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City in Madhesh Province. A BBA student, she is among the thousands of customers benefiting from the operation of new towers. “I need mobile and internet a lot for my studies. I have to check college notices online, exchange notes, and learn from YouTube or ChatGPT when I don’t understand something. And since my brothers are abroad, I also need the mobile to talk to them regularly,” she added.

Of the total of 250 towers, 197 were installed within the last two-and-a-half months, whereas 53 new sites were brought into operation through resource maximization of stock and spare equipment. The company accelerated its new tower installation drive after the resumption of facilitation from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) in May last year.

“The addition of these new towers and the capacity upgrade what we have done nationwide ensure wider 4G access for modern mobile broadband and quality voice services for our customers in the respective Provinces’ local level and micro markets, maximizing the value of connectivity,” said Upanga Dutta, Chief Consumer Business Officer of Ncell. “This network improvement and expansion is a step towards better connectivity that supports basic communications, businesses, studies, and families who rely on us to stay connected. Quality service and high-speed data are not just about speed, they are about trust, opportunities and access to the digital world.”

In terms of the number of new towers installed, over 100 new towers were installed in Madhesh Province, followed by 40 plus towers in Lumbini and over 35 towers in Koshi Province. Similarly, additional towers were installed in Bagmati and Gandaki Province as well. Even during the period when the import of new equipment was restricted, Ncell continued its improvement and expansion drive, installing 53 new towers using stock and spare equipment.

This rollout will further strengthen 4G network access and enhance Quality of Service (QoS) for customers nationwide. Launched in May 2017, Ncell’s 4G service is designed to deliver world-class connectivity and a superior customer experience through advanced technology. The service has now been expanded to all 77 districts, providing 4G access to more than 95 percent of Nepal’s population, helping more people work, learn and stay connected to what matters most.