Nepal Telecom (NTC) is set to test its much-anticipated 5G network by the end of Poush this year, and that could be within the year 2021. The state-owned telco has submitted its work plan to NTA seeking 5G spectrum.
Nepal’s largest telecom operator Nepal Telecom has accelerated its efforts for its 5G launch. It has submitted its 5G work plan to the NTA seeking spectrum for the fifth-gen cellular network. Earlier the government of Nepal has already decided to provide a free 5G spectrum to Nepal Telecom for a year. If everything goes as planned, NTC expects to begin its trial by the end of Poush.
In its work plan handed over to Nepal Telecommunications Authority, NTC has demanded lower and mid-band spectrums. If granted, NTC will operate its 5G either between 700MHz and 800MHz or 2600MHz band, reports Technologykhabar.
NTA Chairman Purushottam Khanal said, “NTC has submitted its 5G work plan. We are currently studying its 5G strategies and will draw conclusions through a committee.”
As known, Nepal Telecom will run the trials in both rural and urban settings. This will help the telco explore the fifth-gen network’s coverage and efficiency between two opposite scenarios.
NTA Deputy Director, Ambar Sthapit has said NTA is currently reviewing Nepal Telecom’s 5G work plan and reported that NTA is establishing its own criteria for 5G before it responds to the demands of NTC.
“Nepal Telecommunications Authority has set up a committee to study 5G test and spectrum availability. After the committee concludes on its study, NTA will provide the spectrum and other technical assistance to the NTC,” Deputy Director said.
The committee will finalize its 5G procedure within 15 days and decide on providing NTC the fifth-gen spectrum as per Tech Neutrality Policy. NTA will set up criteria for all telecom operators and determine an appropriate 5G spectrum for each of them. NTA will accelerate rolling out its 5G spectrum in the upcoming Fiscal Year 078/79 for other telcos in line.
Source: https://www.nepalitelecom.com/2021/06/ntc-5g-test-by-poush-2078-submits-workplan-to-nta.html