Ncell shuts down 3G in 13 districts, Urges customers to switch to VoLTE as Nepal’s 3G users decline

KATHMANDU: Private telecom operator Ncell has accelerated its nationwide plan to phase out third-generation (3G) mobile services, announcing that it will switch off 3G services in more than 220 telecom towers across 13 districts from Asar 22, as the company pushes customers toward fourth-generation (4G) and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology.

The latest shutdown is part of Ncell’s long-term network modernization strategy aimed at improving spectrum efficiency, strengthening 4G services and preparing its network for future 5G deployment.

The move comes at a time when Nepal’s reliance on 3G technology has been steadily declining. According to the latest Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) Management Information System (MIS) report for Baisakh 2083, Nepal has 8.89 million (88,94,224) active 3G users, down significantly from previous years as consumers migrate to 4G services. Of the total, Nepal Telecom accounts for 7.04 million (70,38,842) 3G users, while Ncell has 1.86 million (18,55,382) 3G subscribers. Meanwhile, the country’s 4G subscriber base has expanded to 26.73 million, highlighting the rapid transition toward newer mobile technologies.

Industry experts say the declining number of 3G users makes it economically inefficient for operators to continue maintaining parallel 2G, 3G and 4G networks while simultaneously preparing for 5G deployment.

More than 220 towers to discontinue 3G

Under the latest phase, Ncell will discontinue 3G services at over 220 sites across five provinces.

The affected local levels include Triyuga, Chaudandigadhi, Belaka and Katari in Udayapur; Chainpur, Khandbari and Dharmadevi in Sankhuwasabha; Pakhribas and Sangurigadhi in Dhankuta; and Temkemaiyung and Arun in Bhojpur.

Similarly, the company will switch off 3G services in Saptakoshi and Kanchanrup municipalities of Saptari, Chaurjahari, Musikot and Tribeni in Rukum West, Sharada, Chhatreshwari and Bagchaur in Salyan, Sisne and Bhume in Rukum East, Thabang and Gangadev in Rolpa, and Hetauda, Bakaiya, Manahari and Raksirang in Makwanpur.

Earlier this year, Ncell had already switched off 3G services in selected local levels of three districts in Koshi Province as part of the first phase of the migration programme.

Customers urged to activate VoLTE

Ncell has requested customers using 4G SIM cards and compatible smartphones to activate Voice over LTE (VoLTE), which allows voice calls to be carried over the 4G network instead of the legacy 3G network.

The company said many customers already possess 4G-capable SIM cards and smartphones but continue using voice services over 3G because VoLTE has not been enabled on their devices.

Customers can activate the service by dialing 12311# and then turning on the VoLTE option in their smartphone settings.

According to Ncell, VoLTE offers several advantages over conventional 3G calling, including significantly faster call setup times, improved HD voice quality and the ability to use high-speed mobile internet simultaneously while making voice calls without interruption.

Importantly, customers will receive these benefits without any additional service charge, as voice and mobile broadband services continue under existing tariffs.

Network modernization and 5G readiness

The shutdown of 3G infrastructure reflects a broader trend taking place across global telecommunications markets, where operators are gradually retiring older network technologies to improve spectrum utilization.

Radio spectrum currently occupied by 3G can be reassigned to expand 4G capacity and eventually support commercial 5G services.

Ncell has already completed nationwide deployment of its VoLTE platform over its 4G network and has repeatedly stated that it is seeking additional spectrum from regulators to facilitate future 5G rollout.

Telecommunications analysts note that maintaining legacy technologies consumes considerable operational expenditure, including electricity, maintenance, equipment upgrades and spectrum resources. As smartphone adoption increases and 4G penetration continues to rise, operators increasingly find it practical to retire ageing 3G infrastructure.

According to the latest NTA statistics, Nepal now has more than 26.7 million 4G users, nearly three times the country’s remaining 3G subscriber base, demonstrating how rapidly consumers are embracing newer mobile broadband technologies.

Compatible devices required

To use VoLTE services, customers must have a 4G-enabled smartphone, a 4G SIM card or eSIM, and be within Ncell’s 4G coverage area.

The company has advised customers to check handset compatibility through its website or the Ncell mobile application before activating the service.

With the latest phase of the 3G shutdown now underway, Nepal’s telecommunications sector is moving closer to an all-4G environment, while laying the technological foundation required for commercial 5G deployment in the coming years.