The Nepal Government has decided to test the 5G service in Nepal. The National Frequency Determining Committee meeting, addressed by Mr. Parbat Gurung (Minister of Communication and Information Technology), made the decision to test the 5G service.
The meeting was held with stakeholders to discuss the Budget and Programs for the next Fiscal year. Mr. Gurung also stated that the path for the 5G service is now paved.
A few weeks ago, Nepal Telecommunication Authority submitted a proposal to the National Frequency Determining Committee to provide a separate frequency for the 5G operation. The frequency band for 5G is also already prepared.
The service provider will be given frequency for free. During the testing period, the telecom operators are not allowed to charge for the service. This means the 5G service will be free of cost for the public during the trial period.
Mr. Gurung: We will also prepare Integrated National Frequency Strategy for the frequency distribution and allocation management. Once the frequency is separated, each state’s telecom giant Nepal Telecom will start the trial.
Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Pokhara, and Birgunj are the main cities where the government plans the 5G testing.
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But the trial period will take time to get started, as the service provider has to make necessary infrastructures available to operate successfully. Nepal Telecom has only a basic infrastructure for the 5G networks, which needs an upgrade. However, the major cities may get the service by the end of this fiscal year.
Mr. Anup Nepal, the chief engineer at the Frequency Management and Analysis Division of ministry, said they would first identify the spectrum required for installing 5G technology. After this, the service will be tested in different geographical locations; each region’s feedback will be considered before the commercial operation.
5G testing will be carried out using different bands, among which they will choose the most suitable one. The trial may take four-five months, or even a year.
Currently, Nepal is using the 4G network that was established in January 2017. According to Nepal Telecom, the 4G service has reached all the 77 districts of the country.
