June 8:   Ncell has announced that the company is all set to deploy technology neutrality on 900 and 1800 MHz band to double its fast mobile internet footprint via 3G to 60% of population on June 7.

Issuing a press statement, the GSM mobile service provider of the country said that with technology neutrality, it can enable more than 17 million Nepali in Nepal to enjoy fast mobile internet service.  “Internet is a basic necessity in life, just like electricity and water. Ncell is truly delighted that the company has been given the opportunity to serve the people and deliver what they long-deserved,” said the company.

According to Ncell, the extended coverage areas will include more than 1,000 rural and remote villages including Deuralikot of Bajhang, Shreenagar of Mugu, Jhong in Mustang, Malta of Lalitpur and Tingla of Solukhumbu. These villages will have access to fast mobile internet for the first time in their life, which will contribute to bridge the prevailing digital divide, bringing immense positive changes in the lives of the people, economy of those communities and social arena.

“We are excited about all great impact that technology neutrality is set to bring to the people and the country, especially in term of access to internet, creation of new opportunities and GDP growth. According to a World Bank report, access to mobile broadband can give an immediate impetus to economic growth. Every 10 percentage point rise in broadband penetration raises economic growth by 1.38 percentage point,” said Simon Perkins, managing director of Ncell. “We have committed to resources, knowledge transfer and investment with up to Rs 30 billion in infrastructure and services accordingly to achieve this goal. Together, we shall collectively realize the national goal of building Digital Nepal,” Perkins stated.

“As a part of this commitment to nation building, Ncell has introduced 4G in Kathmandu Valley on June 1, empowering customers in the Kathmandu Valley, Banepa and Dhulikhel with 4G services so that they are able to take benefits of the LTE technology. The company is also planning and testing 4G services in 40 other cities nationwide, embracing a target that 15% of population has access to 4G coverage within 2017,” reads the statement.