Electricity and Digital Access Improve Nationwide, but Women Lag in Mobile Ownership

Nepal has achieved near-universal access to electricity and telecommunications, laying a strong foundation for digital service delivery and consumer market expansion, although a persistent gender gap in mobile phone ownership continues to limit inclusive digital growth, according to a new national survey.

The Nepal Multidimensional Indicator Survey 2081/82, released by the National Statistics Office (NSO), shows that 96.7 percent of households nationwide have access to electricity, underscoring significant progress in basic infrastructure development.

Provincial data reveal disparities in power access, with Gandaki Province recording the highest coverage at 99.5 percent, while Karnali Province lags behind at 80.8 percent, indicating uneven readiness for energy-dependent economic activities.

Access to telecommunications is similarly widespread. The survey found that 95.5 percent of households have access to either a fixed-line or mobile telephone, reflecting deep market penetration of telecom services across the country.

Digital connectivity is also expanding, with 82 percent of households reporting the use of internet-enabled devices. The NSO said the trend signals growing consumer readiness for digital platforms, including digital payments, fintech, insurtech, e-commerce and online public services.

However, the report highlights a notable digital gender divide. While 90.4 percent of men aged 15–49 own a mobile phone, ownership among women in the same age group stands at 60.6 percent, potentially constraining women’s participation in the digital economy.

Analysts say the gap has implications for financial inclusion, access to digital financial services, and the effectiveness of technology-driven welfare and insurance programmes that rely on mobile-based platforms.

The NSO noted that the survey provides key indicators for federal and provincial governments, as well as the private sector, to assess infrastructure readiness, digital inclusion and market potential as Nepal accelerates its transition toward a digital economy.

The nationwide survey covered 12,960 households across 540 enumeration areas, collecting data on infrastructure access, communications, and technology use among women and men aged 15–49.