KATHMANDU, Sept 17: Ncell, Nepal's first private sector GSM mobile service provider, has entered its 20th year, celebrating its 19th anniversary with the launch of the Ncell Foundation.

The foundation will focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, with a commitment to contribute Rs 200 million over the next five years. This contribution aims to benefit Nepalis through projects that enhance connectivity, reduce the digital divide, and improve access to education, health, and environmental resources.

“In the past 19 years, Ncell has directly and indirectly benefited the lives of more than 13 million people and contributed more than Rs 2 billion by doing social work in various fields, including health, education, and environment. We have established the Ncell Foundation believing that it is important to bring all our good work under one purpose and umbrella,” said Jabbor Kayumov, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Ncell, during a special event organized to celebrate the company's 19th anniversary.

Ncell’s main goal, according to Kayumov, is to support the development of a more inclusive and sustainable Nepal, contributing to the country’s long-term progress. "We want to create a lasting impact through the Ncell Foundation," he said. "Our aim is to reduce the digital divide and promote a healthier, more sustainable, and prosperous Nepal."

Ncell’s efforts in corporate social responsibility are not new. After the devastating earthquake of 2015, the company provided free services worth Rs 1.6 billion to help earthquake victims stay connected with their loved ones. It also contributed Rs 100 million to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for earthquake assistance, reads a statement issued by Ncell. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ncell was the first private company to donate Rs 10 million to the government’s relief fund for the prevention, control, and treatment of the virus.

Ncell said it has also been active in supporting education. After the Jajarkot earthquake, the company provided Rs 5 million to the Karnali provincial government for rescue and relief efforts and assisted in building classrooms in 10 schools affected by the disaster. Ncell said it contributed Rs 200 million to the Prime Minister's Natural Disaster Relief Fund in 2014 to support victims of floods and landslides in various parts of the country.

The Ncell Foundation's newly announced 'Nineteen for Nineteen' project will fund 19 social initiatives across all seven provinces of Nepal, with each project receiving Rs 1 million. This, according to the telecommunication company,  is a continuation of the previous year's 'Eighteen for Eihteen' initiative, which supported social projects at the provincial level.

Ncell, previously known as Mero Mobile, began its journey on September 17, 2005. Since then, the company claimed that it has brought transformative changes to Nepal's telecommunications sector, providing services that have radically altered how Nepalis communicate. Ncell's reach now extends from basic mobile services (2G, 3G, and 4G) to mobile broadband and cloud services, all of which have contributed significantly to Nepal’s economic and social development.

“This journey would not have been possible without the trust and support of our customers, partners, government agencies, and regulatory bodies,” said Kayumov. “We are ready to lead Nepal towards a digital future and continue our journey of bringing change for the people of Nepal.”

As one of Nepal's largest taxpayers, Ncell said it has paid over Rs 320 billion in taxes and fees to the government since its inception. The company has played a significant role in supporting Nepal’s economy and contributing to its overall development.

To mark its 19th anniversary, Ncell Foundation will host various community outreach programs. These include tree planting, the distribution of educational materials, health camps, cervical cancer screenings, blood donation drives, and skill camps. Additionally, senior Ncell management and staff will visit Ncell centers across the country to interact with customers, thanking them for their continued trust and support.

At the anniversary event, Ncell also honored para-athlete Palesha Goverdhan, who made history by winning Nepal's first-ever medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The recognition of Goverdhan’s achievement further reflects Ncell’s commitment to supporting Nepali talent and contributing to the country’s development at multiple levels, the statement added.

With its new initiatives under the Ncell Foundation and the launch of its brand slogan Aaja Bholi Sadhai Sangai,'" Ncell aims to expand its social impact and continue supporting communities across Nepal.

 
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