According to NT, although the new dates for the launch was yet to be finalized, they were hopeful to launch the service by the end of this month. [break]
"As the test is still on-going and the dongles are yet to be received, the launch has been pushed back," NT Spokesperson Gunakeshari Pradhan said. She further said that although there was no problem on the system, the major reason for the delay was the delivery of the equipments.
"We need to make sure that there is no scarcity of the equipments at customer level immediately after the launch of the service," she further said that the procurement was on going and the equipment were being delivered shortly.
In order to avail the service, customer will need CPE which will cost around Rs 2,000. "Neither the price of the equipment nor the tariff has been made public," she said adding that the operator was unveiling the price during the time of the launch only. However, Nepal Telecommunications Authority has already approved the tariff proposed by NT.
According to which, 10 GB package with 256 kbps will cost Rs 1,100 exclusive of all taxes. Similarly, the package of 15 GB and 20 GB at the same speed will cost Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,800 respectively. Whereas, customers under 512 kbps package will have to pay Rs 1,250 for 12 GB, Rs 2000 for 20GB and Rs 2,700 for 30 GB.
The operator has also completed installing hotspots for WiMax which will allow customers to enjoy high-speed data through any WiFi enabled service. However, the user will need a login name and password for the service.
"As it is not possible to install hotspots everywhere, customers will need to purchase CPE in those area without access to hotspots," added she.
Although under WiMax customers can enjoy up to 27 MBPS, the operator has ensured the minimum bandwidth of 256 kbps downlink and uplink.
NT earlier had signed agreement worth US $10 million with the US based telecommunication solution provider AirSpan for the project.
The operator has completed installing the equipments in 46 points in the Kathmandu valley and surrounding areas which will allow the customers of the capital and on the outskirts to enjoy the service.
NT is planning to expand the service to Bhairahawa, Pokhara and their surrounding VDCs in the next phase. The operator has also finishined installing the equipment in Bhairahawa and Pokhara.
The WiMax broadband project targets to take high-speed Internet service in all VDCs by the end of 2013. Also known as the fourth generation (4G) communication technology, WiMax is popular for high-speed wireless Internet service.
NT plans to implement the project under two phases. In the first phase, it is building a network that covers 1,923 VDCs and 24 municipalities in western Nepal. Likewise, in the second phase the service will be made available in 2,092 VDCs and 34 municipalities in eastern Nepal.
Although the technology can also be used for voice telephony, NT is focusing mainly on the data. The operator plans to set up 1,500 hotspots for WiMax in urban areas specially in public places like hospital, parks, apartments and others.
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