Page 93 - SAMENA Trends - July-September 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Nepal

Nepal has seen its number of 4G users reach 22.23 million, government had given similar installment facilities for license
according to the latest MIS report by the Nepal Telecommunications renewal in the past as well. But it hadn’t sought interest for the
Authority (NTA) for Ashar, 2081. Despite a slight decline from the second and third tranches. However, the Office of the Attorney
previous month, mobile broadband now comprises 76.23% of the General in its report had advised the government to discontinue
market, dominated by Nepal Telecom and Ncell. In Ashar, 2081, the this practice saying that it is against the law and causes huge
figure stood at 22,232,416, showing a decrease of 240,025 users loss to the state coffers. Three months ago, the Ncell had written
from Jestha, 2081, where the number was 22,472,441. This change to the Nepal Telecommunication Authority for an installment
reflects the dynamic nature of mobile telecommunications but option to pay the renewal fee. But the regulatory body had
underscores the strong presence of 4G technology in the region. informed the company that the laws of the land don’t allow them
Both state-backed Nepal Telecom (Ntc) and private operator to do so. The authority had also informed the ministry about the
Ncell continue to lead in the 4G domain. Ntc reported an increase correspondence from the Ncell.
in 4G subscriptions, adding 124,124 users in Ashar 2081, bringing (September 2, 2024) www.kathmandupost.com
its total to 15,281,937. Conversely, Ncell experienced a decrease,
losing 364,149 subscribers, reducing its count to 6,950,479. These The number of 4G users has surpassed 2.08 crore in Nepal. At
operators not only provide extensive GSM mobile service across the same time, mobile broadband has reached 66.28% in market
Nepal but also enhance the 4G experience with technologies proportion, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA)
like carrier aggregation, which improves data speed, reduces highlights in its latest MIS report. The NTA report has it that there
interference, and cuts latency. As 4G remains prevalent, both Ntc are two crore, eight lakh, thirty-two thousand, and three hundred
and Ncell are laying the groundwork for the future 5G network, sixty-one 4G users across Nepal as of Chaitra, 2080. The stats
although the launch timeline remains uncertain. Despite their marks a slight decrease in the figures as Falgun report mentioned
impact on digital transformation and connectivity in Nepal, there 4G broadband subscriptions at two crore, ten lakh, thirty-six
is room for improvement in service quality. According to NTA’s thousand, and nine hundred, and nine. That means, 4G users
drive test reports, both providers could enhance their voice and declined by a slim two lakh, four thousand, five hundred forty-eight
data services significantly. While 4G has become a necessity, between Chaitra and Falgun. The change in figures is common
enabling high-speed activities like payments and video-calling, and the gist is that 4G dominates the mobile broadband scene
some users still cling to older technologies like 2G and 3G. in Nepal courtesy of Nepal Telecom and Ncell. They both have
Reasons range from lack of awareness and incompatible devices a strong GSM mobile service presence throughout the country
to concerns over battery and data usage. This situation presents and provide a range of data packs for their customers. Also, each
both a challenge and an opportunity for growth in Nepal’s features carrier aggregation (CA) which further amplifies their 4G
telecommunications sector. (September 9, 2024) www.meatechwatch.com performance for users with faster speeds and low latency. Ntc and
Ncell both provide 4G services via their nationwide networks. The
The government has decided to allow Ncell, the private sector state-backed telecom company Ntc boasts one crore, forty-eight
telecom giant, to pay its license renewal fee on an installment lakh, twelve thousand, six hundred, and twenty-nine users as of
basis. A Cabinet meeting decided to allow the company to pay Chaitra, 2080. It’s another delightful increase for the company
the renewal fee in four installments. As per the arrangement, of one lakh, seventy-nine thousand, four hundred and fifteen
the company can pay Rs5 billion a year, according to Minister subscriptions from Falgun of the same year. Similarly, the private
for Information and Communication Technology Prithvi Subba telecom giant Ncell recorded sixty lakh, nineteen thousand, seven
Gurung, who is also spokesperson of the government. The hundred, and thirty-two 4G subscriptions in Chaitra, 2080. Unlike
telecom company’s license is expiring on Sunday. “The company Ntc though, the private telco saw its 4G base slightly decrease
has to pay 10 percent interest rate for three installments while from sixty-four lakh, three thousand, six hundred, and ninety-five
it doesn’t apply in the case of the first tranche,” Gurung said. in Falgun. (July 26, 2024) www.nepalitelecom.com
“The government will give necessary instruction to the Nepal
Telecommunication Authority to implement this decision.” The

Oman

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman has the telecommunications sector. This innovative system targets
introduced a new licensing and permits system on its website, licensees, new investors, companies, SMEs, and individuals
designed to streamline processes for various stakeholders in interested in providing telecommunications services. Developed

93 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2024