Ncell to Roll Out New Packs for Gen Z Users, Announces Scholarships and 4G Upgrade

Ncell, Nepal’s only privately operated telecom service provider, is preparing to introduce three new initiatives targeting the Gen Z users as part of its ongoing efforts to refine and expand its services.

The company plans to launch affordable data packages for Gen Z users and establish a scholarship fund of up to Rs 10 million. According to Ncell, the scholarship programme will support 100 students across the country each year. The company is also advancing a plan to expand its 4G service by installing five additional towers up to Gorakshep in the Everest region.

Ncell Chair Satish Lal Acharya and Chief Executive Officer Michael Foley briefed Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel about the upcoming plans during his visit to the company’s Nakkhu office on Monday. CEO Foley said Ncell intends to award scholarships annually to 100 students appearing in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE), for which the company plans to set up a fund of Rs 10 million under its social responsibility.

Minister Kharel welcomed Ncell’s decision to introduce Gen Z-focused data packs. “I had requested initiatives for students and Gen Z, and they have responded positively. They also shared their plans to expand telecom access to Everest Base Camp and other remote areas, which is encouraging,” he said.

Foley noted that Nepal’s telecom service quality still falls short of international standards, adding that the company has been facing multiple policy-related hurdles. He urged the government to facilitate improvements, stating, “Telecommunication has become essential for people. Certain obstacles can hinder service delivery, so the government’s support is crucial.”

Damage from Gen Z protests

Ncell estimated losses of nearly Rs 650 million after its central office in Lainchaur was vandalised and set on fire during the Gen Z protests on September 9. Following the incident, Ncell has been operating from its Nakkhu office. During Monday’s inspection, company officials briefed Minister Kharel about the damages and urged the government to resolve long-standing policy ambiguities affecting the company’s future.

With Ncell’s licence valid only until 2029, questions have arisen regarding the company’s operational framework beyond that period. Ncell has also expressed concerns about what it describes as discriminatory treatment from the government.

Minister Kharel said the government would work toward establishing a clearer policy direction. “Some policy issues and disputes have emerged, but the government is committed to ensuring that all matters are resolved within the legal framework,” he said, assuring that necessary steps would be taken to address the losses caused during the protests.

The minister also inspected Ncell’s office and data centre, noting that the company remains one of the key infrastructures supporting Nepal’s Digital Nepal ambitions. CEO Foley reaffirmed Ncell’s commitment to uninterrupted service delivery with renewed determination and resilience.

According to Ncell, the company—one of Nepal’s largest taxpayers—has paid nearly Rs 360 billion in taxes and fees up to fiscal year 2024/25.