E-sim now available via app and website
KATHMANDU, Feb 4: Nepal Telecom has announced plans to shut down its 2G service this year.
During the company’s 21st anniversary on Tuesday, Nepal Telecom’s Managing Director Sangita Aryal Pahadi announced that the state-owned telecom company will discontinue the 1800 MHz 2G service this year.
She also said that the NT will provide eSIM services through its app and website, eliminating the need for customers to visit the counter.
Marking the anniversary, she emphasized that customers will no longer have to visit counters for eSIM services.
Nepal Telecom has 21.24 million voice service subscribers. By mid-December, 20.77 million users subscribed to its GSM mobile service, 87,000 to its PSTN service, and 380,000 to its FTTH voice service, stated Managing Director Pahadi.
Nepal Telecom earns over Rs 6.25 billion in profit
Nepal Telecom reported a total net profit of Rs 6.23 billion in the fiscal year 2023/24.
The company presented this information while unveiling its financial report for the last fiscal year on its 21st anniversary.
"Analyzing the company’s financial status, we recorded a total revenue of Rs 42.11 billion and a net profit of Rs 6.23 billion in the fiscal year 2080/81," Nepal Telecom stated.
Nepal Telecom reported a slight decrease in net profit compared to the previous fiscal year. Despite negative economic indicators, the company successfully earned a profit, according to its report.
As of mid-January in the current fiscal year, the company has generated about Rs 20.12 billion in revenue.
Communication Ministry directs Nepal Telecom to launch 5G service
Communication and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung has directed Nepal Telecom to launch 5G service immediately. Addressing the 21st anniversary ceremony of Nepal Telecom on Tuesday, he stated that since the world is already preparing for 6G internet, Nepal Telecom should begin 5G service in major cities without any delay.
"The developed world is eager to use the 6G internet. We, on the other hand, need to start 5G service in major cities of Nepal immediately," he said.
Minister Gurung warned that if Nepal Telecom does not keep up with technological developments, it will fall behind. "Changes, developments, expansions, and inventions of new technologies are happening all around the world. If we do not keep up pace, we will fall behind. We will become outdated in the blink of an eye," he added.
He emphasized the need to drive the country into the digital age by making significant strides in sectors such as agriculture, health, education, energy, and tourism.
He stressed that, with the shift in the source of income, Nepal Telecom must excel in data services.
"It is no secret that telecom companies now rely more on data services than voice services for revenue. Telecommunication companies must take the lead in this area," he said. "In an open market and competitive era, telecom service providers must adapt to the times, and this is not something that needs to be reminded time and again."
Minister Gurung also urged for the nationwide expansion of 4G services. He instructed Nepal Telecom management to extend broadband connections to local levels and provide 24/7 maintenance services.
"In terms of service expansion, I am confident that Nepal Telecom will soon succeed in reaching 4G coverage in every household. Additionally, Nepal Telecom must prioritize expanding broadband connections to local levels and wards," he said. "I also trust that Nepal Telecom will offer 24/7 maintenance services for its customers."