Nepal Telecom (NTC) will start its 5G trial in all seven provinces by 2022. The initial plan was to start the tests in limited areas, but the MoCIT has decided that the state-backed operator will kickstart the project throughout the country.
Previously, Ntc was preparing to start 5G trials in selected locations in 4 provinces. But the Ministry of Communication, Information, and Technology (MoCIT) directed the operator to test the next-gen network in all seven provinces by adding 3 more provinces to the list for the much-expected test.
There are reports that the Ntc could begin the 5G trial next month Kartik, 2079. The operator has acquired the necessary equipment for the test and is almost ready to switch on the network. The trial would be conducted on Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture with updated software on 4G core.
The ministry even emphasized the extended trial numbers under the list of responsibilities for Sunil Poudel, the recently appointed Managing Director of the company.
The state-owned operator received approval and the spectrum by NTA a few months ago. With the approval, Ntc stepped up its effort to bring the fifth-generation mobile network to life. Ntc is becoming the first operator in Nepal to embark on the revolutionary 5G standard.
So far, Ntc has been in talks with the telco equipment vendors to speed up the trial process. At the same time, the telco is also ruthlessly expanding its 4G network across the country. It is stated that the assurance of the 4G gear vendors was the reason the ministry opted for the countrywide 5G trial.
ZTE has grabbed the tender to expand 4G for Ntc. The company has also assured Ntc that it will test 5G in 3 new locations for free.
As the ministry has made the decision, it seems confirmed that a few people in all the seven provinces will get to taste 5G speed on their devices soon.
It will operate the 5G network in the 2600 MHz band, the mid-band in the 5G glossary. Likewise, the telco has 60 MHz of frequency bandwidth at its disposal for a decent mix of both coverage and speed potential.
5G is the next-generation cellular technology that will succeed in today’s 4G network. It will arguably bring a significant transformation in mobile broadband with potential applications in health, education, manufacturing industries, etc. Its high speed/low latency means interactive activities on the internet will see a substantial improvement.