Manisha Balami

February 28: The Management Information System (MIS) report published recently by Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) shows that there are more than 38.21 million mobile phone users in Nepal as of mid-January 2021.

The data shows that the number of mobile phone users in the country is 34.64 percent higher than the total population of the country. Nepal’s population is estimated to be 28.6 million as per the data of 2019. The number of mobile phone users exceeds the total population due to the use of more than one sim card by a user. NTA Spokesperson Min Prasad Aryal states that the mobile and internet penetration is the new trend around the world and it will grow further with the advancement in technology.

Among the subscribers, most people are users of Nepal Telecom. A total of 21.1 million people have subscribed to NT service. Likewise, 15.55 million have subscribed to Ncell. Similarly, the number of Smart Cell users is 2.27 million.

Of total mobile phone users 36.52 million use GSM phones, whereas, 1.69 million use CDMA.

In regard to Nepal’s expensive telecom service, Aryal clarified that the authority has been working to provide cost ffective but qualitative service to the people.

NTA is also making preparations to initiate 5G service in the country. “We have already presented a proposal to the National Radio Frequency Policy Determination Committee for the pricing and distribution process of 5G frequency band,” he adds.

He further said that the authority always wants to promote new technology and by studying international practices NTA is working to provide effective services to the people of the country through such technologies.