Bhotekoshi Flood Relief: Ncell Provides Free Telecom Services to Over 300,000 Affected Customers
1st September 2026, Kathmandu
Ncell extends free voice, data, and SMS services to over 300,000 flood victims across five districts in Nepal following the devastating Bhotekoshi flood.
Ncell Free Telecom Services
In the aftermath of the devastating Bhotekoshi River flood, Ncell delivered crucial emergency communication support, benefiting over 300,000 customers in the hardest-hit regions. The private telecommunications operator introduced zero-cost voice, data, and SMS services to assist search and rescue operations, facilitate disaster relief, and keep families connected during the crisis.
The initiative targeted impacted communities across five major districts: Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan.
Key Highlights of Ncell’s Disaster Relief Initiative
Massive User Reach: Over 300,000 active customers utilized free communication services during the emergency response window.
Extended Service Duration: Originally announced for three days, Ncell extended the emergency coverage by an additional seven days to ensure continuous connectivity.
Financial Relief: The total monetary value of free services consumed by affected subscribers crossed NPR 10 million (1 crore).
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Zero-Balance SIM Reactivation: To keep vulnerable populations online, Ncell reactivated more than 25,000 SIM cards that had been disabled due to zero account balances.
Rapid Infrastructure Restoration: Out of 27 cell towers disrupted by fiber link damage and landslides, Ncell field engineering teams successfully restored 24 sites within days.
Relief Performance & Network Restoration Summary
| Metric / Service Parameter | Details / Impact |
| Beneficiaries | 300,000+ active customers |
| Covered Districts | Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan |
| Eligibility | Active SIM users in affected areas 7 days before the flood |
| Provided Services | Free Voice Calls, Mobile Data, and SMS |
| Total Service Value | NPR 10 Million+ (NPR 1 Crore+) |
| Restored Network Towers | 24 out of 27 disrupted mobile sites restored |
| Emergency SIM Activations | 25,000+ zero-balance SIMs re-enabled |
Restoring Infrastructure and Reconnecting Families
Disasters of this magnitude severely compromise physical infrastructure. Heavy landslides and sudden flooding caused extensive fiber link breaks across Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Dhading, taking 27 mobile towers offline. Ncell’s technical response teams worked continuously under high-risk conditions to bring 24 base transceiver stations (BTS) back online.
Beyond restoring physical network towers, re-enabling access for 25,000 zero-balance SIM cards ensured that marginalized residents and displaced families could reach emergency hotlines, coordinate with rescue teams, and inform relatives of their safety without financial barriers.
Facilitating Disaster Response Across Nepal
Telecommunications serve as a vital lifeline during natural disasters. By extending free network access and maintaining open communication lines, Ncell played a critical role in streamlining humanitarian assistance, supporting government-led rescue teams, and empowering local communities in the wake of the Bhotekoshi flood disaster.
For more: Ncell Free Telecom Services
