Kathmandu, May 31

Ncell customers can now enjoy much-awaited fourth generation (4G)/long term evolution (LTE) service.

Issuing a media release today, the leading GSM mobile service provider of the country has announced that all Ncell customers possessing USIM with 4G compatible handset will be able to experience 4G from Thursday (June 1) onward in Kathmandu Valley, including Nagarkot, Banepa and Dhulikhel.

The service is being launched in line with the technology neutrality permission, which paved the way for the company to deliver customers what they long deserved.

“We are excited about the great impact that 4G/LTE is set to bring to the people and the country. Technology neutrality has ushered us in a journey towards development of digital Nepal,” the release has quoted Simon Perkins, managing director of Ncell, as saying.

As a part of this commitment, the company is also planning and testing 4G service in 40 other cities nationwide, embracing a target that 15 per cent of population have access to 4G coverage within 2017.

The 4G /LTE offers better bandwidth, lower latency and improves spectrum efficiency, enabling customers to use more applications on mobile devices, provides real-time sharing of large files and media streaming, and immediate delivery of time-sensitive data. It empowers ICT industry, technopreneurs, media and other industries, contributing to put the economy on higher growth trajectory.

Customers can replace their existing SIM card with 4G compatible USIM for free from nearby Ncell Centres or new customers can subscribe SIM.

On the occasion of the launch of the new technology, Ncell on Thursday is providing 1GB data with validity of three days for free to the customers using 4G on the launch day (June 1). All Ncell customers taking Ncell 4G till June-end will also be able to access unlimited music for free via Yonder Music for 30 days. In addition, Ncell will continue to unveil more and exciting offers to the customers whereby they will be able to enjoy free 4G resources upon purchasing devices, service bundling and also be able to access unlimited movies for free, the release adds.

Besides ensuring upgraded mobile connectivity to customers, LTE technology gives a boost to development and utilisation of local content, opening new business opportunities. Respecting the spirit in which the approval has been granted, the company has announced it will expeditiously roll out LTE, aiming that 15 per cent population of Nepal have access to and are able to reap the benefits of LTE within the year 2017.

“We will be gradually making LTE available in different parts of the country, contributing to deliver on the goals of the National Broadband Policy,” said Perkins.

The National Broadband Policy envisages to make broadband connections available to 45 per cent of the households within 2018 and make all village development committees connected with broadband by 2020.