NPL Spurs Data Package Purchases

The ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur has significantly boosted the business of Nepal’s two leading telecom operators.

Both the state-owned Nepal Telecom and private telecom operator Ncell have reported a sharp rise in data package purchases targeted at NPL audiences. Ncell is a supporting sponsor of the tournament and the primary sponsor of the Lumbini Lions team, while Nepal Telecom sponsors the Sudurpaschim Royals.

According to Ncell, data packages aimed at NPL viewers have seen a substantial surge in sales. “Our YouTube Unlimited package under the Sadhai On bundle has been highly popular,” the company stated in a written response to New Business Age. “This package eliminates the risk of additional charges for users.”

Ncell officials stated that customers purchasing packages ranging from Rs 399 to Rs 1,499 enjoy unlimited YouTube access for the duration of the package. The company also reported that its partnership with Action Sports Channel, which holds the digital media rights to broadcast NPL, has made streaming services accessible via the Ncell app at affordable rates. Internet traffic has also seen a significant increase due to the tournament.

To ensure uninterrupted telecom services at the cricket ground in Kirtipur, Ncell has deployed smart cell equipment and installed two 1 Gbps Fibre to the Home (FTTH) connections for the media centre, free of charge, as per Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN)’s request.

Nepal Telecom introduced two special NT Cricket Dhamaaka Packs including 300GB data for Rs 600, with a daily usage limit of 10GB and 150GB data (5GB per day) for Rs 400, with additional unlimited data at 2 Mbps upon exceeding the daily limit.

The packages are available for 30 days for postpaid users and 28 days for prepaid users. Customers can activate them via Nepal Telecom’s mobile app or by dialing a specific code. These packs are valid from November 30 to December 21, 2024.

According to Nepal Telecom spokesperson Hari Dhakal, the Dhamaaka Packs were launched to enable users to stream NPL matches affordably and conveniently on their devices. The response to these packages has been overwhelming.

Nepal Telecom’s Managing Director Sangeeta Pahadi Aryal expressed delight at partnering with the Sudurpaschim Royals, emphasising the company’s longstanding commitment to the development of Nepal’s sports sector and cricket.

Ncell also reported high sales of its NPL-targeted packages, including its Sadhai On bundles, which combine data, voice, and SMS services.

“The response has exceeded our expectations, with hundreds of packages sold daily,” said a senior Ncell official.