Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has directed mobile service providers to submit a phased plan for rolling out 5G services beginning in major cities.
The directive issued on Friday sets out eight measures aimed at improving service quality, optimizing spectrum use, strengthening consumer protection and ensuring regulatory compliance.
As per the directive, telecom operators must prepare and present a roadmap for the commercial launch of 5G services in phases, starting with major urban centers. They have also been instructed to enhance and expand 4G services across the country.
Two mobile service providers – the state-owned Nepal Telecom and the privately owned Ncell – are currently operating in the country. Of the two, Nepal Telecom has already installed 5G equipment in Kathmandu and is reportedly awaiting the government’s go-ahead to start trials.
The NTA has asked operators to submit regular reports demonstrating compliance with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to network performance and service quality.
As part of efforts to improve customer service, operators have been told to establish digital customer charters, strengthen grievance resolution systems and conduct regular customer satisfaction surveys. The authority has also encouraged the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide round-the-clock customer support.
The directive requires telecom companies to update their nationwide service coverage maps at least once every three months and prioritize high-speed mobile broadband expansion in industrial corridors and major cities.
Likewise, it has asked operators to optimize the use of allocated radio spectrum and make effective use of telecommunications infrastructure to avoid duplication of investment.
The NTA has also ordered telecom providers to carry out regular security audits and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans to strengthen cybersecurity and ensure uninterrupted services.
Operators have also been told to review their pricing using cost-based tariff analysis and submit proposals for changes in service charges to the regulator.
