Ncell prepaid subscribers can now enjoy endless conversations with their family and friends within the Ncell network at more affordable rates.
Ncell brings ‘Endless Kurakani+’
Attractive voice offer under umbrella campaign ‘Plus’
Affordable voice packs, three options for customers
On net voice at as low as 8 paisa per minute in 30 days pack
Ncell Private Limited under its umbrella campaign ‘Plus’ has launched an attractive voice offer ‘Endless Kurakani+’ for its prepaid customers, allowing them to stay connected with multiple options of attractive voice packs.
Under this offer, prepaid customers can subscribe to three special voice packs with a validity of 7 days, 15 days, or 30 days to take benefit from endless conversations with their near and dear ones.
Customers can subscribe to 700 minutes of on-net talk-time valid for 7 days at just Rs. 95.77 including applicable taxes. Under pack, customers get 100 minutes of talk time every day for 7 days. In 15 days voice pack, customers are entitled to get 1,875 minutes of on-net talk time at just 191.54 including applicable taxes. With this pack, customers can use 125 minutes of talk time every day.
For those customers whose requirement for voice service is high, they can subscribe to 30 days pack. This pack comes with 4,500 minutes of on-net talk time at Rs 381.79 including applicable taxes and customers can use 150 minutes of talk time every day for 30 days from the date of activation. In this pack, customers can use on-net voice service at as low as 8 paisa per minute.
To subscribe to these packs, customers can simply dial *17118*7# and follow the instructions. They can also activate through SMS. The activation code for each pack is the minute customer gets per day. For example, customers who want to subscribe to 7 days pack can type 100 and send SMS to 17118. Similarly, for subscribing 15 days and 30 days pack, customers can type code 125 and 150 respectively and send SMS to 17118.
Sharing the excitement on the launch of Endless Kurakani+, Mr. Pradeep Shrivastava, Chief Commercial Officer of Ncell said, “As a part of our commitment to provide quality services at affordable rates, we are delighted to bring this special voice offer. These attractive voice packs add great value and help our customers to stay connected with family and friends.”
In line with its umbrella campaign ‘Plus’, Ncell recently also launched the ‘Nonstop YouTube+’ offer and announced pre-booking for Wirefree+ WiFi service. ‘Plus’ campaign aims at liberating customers with unique and special offers, ensuring access to new innovative solutions to remain connected constantly whether at home or on-the-go. Under the campaign ‘Plus’, Ncell will continue to bring more exciting offers for customers. Stay tuned.
Nepal Telecom is preparing to provide WiFi in every ward of the country. The company is in the first phase targeting government and other institutional offices in the ward, according to the Managing Director, Dilli Ram Adhikari.
He further informs that the work of expanding the WiFi facility is a part of the annual event of the coming fiscal year 2077/78 BS.
How does Nepal Telecom Plan to Provide WiFi Facility?
The company will use a particular ‘device’ through the BTS tower in the ward. Telecom’s engineer Amrit Nepal informed that telco would use frequencies of 800 and 1800 MHz bands to provide WiFi.
Moreover, the company is preparing to provide Landline phone facilities along with WiFi. Amrit Nepal also shed light on the necessity and importance of fixed telephone for institutional users.
The device will have a separate port of telephone and will facilitate communication by connecting to a standard phone. The device will use a SIM card for this purpose.
However, the landline numbers will start from the district code that Telecom is currently providing. According to Er. Nepal, the phone number will start from 056 for users of Chitwan.
Telecom is planning to replace the CDMA fixed phones that have been extended to the villages and to include WiMAX as well.
Is this facility available to individual users too?
Managing Director Adhikari also informed that this facility is only available to institutional users and not individual users. He further added that bandwidth is all used in providing the facility to the general public.
Consequently, mobile broadband gets expensive. He said – if resources run out, you have to add more support, which is very limited.
He clarified that Telecom would give more emphasis on the access and quality of mobile broadband in the case of individual users.
The device that provides WiFi facilities to institutional users will be relatively expensive. However, the company is preparing to provide the service as cheaply as possible.
According to MD Adhikari, the device is currently undergoing telephone testing. He said that this facility works even at a long distance from the tower due to the use of a frequency of 800 bands.
Also, the company states that it has prepared a plan to extend this facility to every ward within the next fiscal year.
Nepali consumers will soon be able to experience a hassle-free and quality wireless internet and WiFi connectivity along with an attractive bundled offer. Ncell Private Limited has started taking pre-booking orders for a first of its kind Wirefree+ WiFi service under its ‘Plus’ umbrella campaign.
Ncell announces pre-booking for Wirefree+ WiFi
First of its kind wireless WiFi service under ‘Plus’ umbrella campaign
A special bundled offer of the device, SIM, data, voice, digital contents and more
Available in over 40 districts nationwide
24X7 customer care service
Ncell is introducing Wirefree+ WiFi service, first wireless technology-based Wi-Fi service, for homes and businesses that offer a strong and consistent internet connection without cable. Customers interested in this service can pre-book orders from mobile wallet Prabhu Pay, Prabhu Kiosk, or from nearby Prabhu Remit Counters as well.
What makes Wirefree+ WiFi special for customers is that it comes with the attractive bundled offer with 2 SIMs with 5 GB data in each SIM, 425 minutes of Ncell to Ncell talk time every month and access to digital contents such as Mobiplex, Hungama Music, Daami Music and lots more along with it. Ncell is taking pre-booking for the service under three categories of Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Customers depending on their requirements can pick any package from the three available categories with the service validity of 30 days, 90 days, 210 days, or 420 days, while charges for the package start from as low as Rs 799 excluding applicable taxes valid for 30 days.
Based on the validity period of the packages, customers will be required to pay a one-time subscription fee of Rs 500, Rs 2,500, or Rs 3,500. For those customers choosing packages with the validity of 420 days, the one-time subscription fee has been waived off. Resources of the Wirefree+ WiFi will recur every 30 days based on the service option selected by the customers. Resources will not accumulate and will expire every 30 days.
Sharing the excitement on Wirefree+ WiFi launch, Mr. Pradeep Shrivastava, Chief Commercial Officer Ncell said, “At Ncell, our goal is to keep our customers satisfied by offering the best product and services. We want to make sure our customers have a great experience with the connectivity solutions we are providing. The launch of Wirefree+ WiFi aims to provide a completely new experience of wireless data connectivity with a bundled offer under our new umbrella ‘Plus’ campaign. We believe this will contribute towards increasing access to modern technology-based WiFi services by connecting people with opportunities that internet access can bring.”
During the initial phase, Ncell is making the Wirefree+ WiFi available at various locations in over 40 districts including from Kanchanpur, Baitadi, Dadeldhura in Far-west to Morang, Sunsari and Dhankuta in the East. The pre-booking for the service is part of a special promotional offer valid for a limited period. Backed by its 24X7 customer support, this service promises an online experience like never before.
In line with its umbrella ‘Plus’ campaign, Ncell has already launched the ‘Nonstop YouTube’ offer and will continue to bring more exciting offers for its customers. ‘Plus’ campaign aims at liberating customers with unique and special offers ensuring access to new innovative solutions to be connected constantly whether at home or on-the-go with wireless connectivity.
Ncell will provide the service from the first week of August after the resumption of commercial air services.
Data bundled YouTube special offer under umbrella theme ‘Plus.’
Customers can use YouTube as much as they can at just Rs 100 for a week.
Comes with additional 4 GB all-time all network data
Provision of add-on data for Facebook and Tiktok
All 4G customers of Ncell can now enjoy uninterrupted access to popular video streaming platform YouTube. Customers can enjoy YouTube content as much as they can without fear of videos consuming big data and cost.
Ncell Private Limited has introduced an exciting offer ‘Nonstop YouTube’ for customers in 4G network, under its new umbrella theme ‘Plus,’ which aims at liberating customers with unique and special offers and at the same time ensures access to new innovative solutions giving customers ease to be connected all the time whether at home or on-the-go.
In the ‘Nonstop YouTube’ offer, 4G customers can enjoy worry-free access to YouTube at 480p for a week at just Rs 100 (Rs 127.69 including taxes). That is not all; customers subscribing to this offer also get 4GB additional all-time all network data which they can use for other purposes.
Both uninterrupted access to YouTube contents in the 4G network and 4GB all time all network data are applicable for seven days. There is also a special privilege to customers buying this pack as they can subscribe to additional attractive packages for surfing Facebook and TikTok at more affordable rates.
Once customers subscribe to ‘Nonstop YouTube,’ they are eligible to buy 3500 MB 4G data at just Rs 20 (Rs 25.53, including taxes), which can be used 500 MB per day for 7days for using Facebook. Similarly, at the same rate, customers who prefer to use TikTok can subscribe to 3,500 MB 4G data. Customers will be able to use 500 MB every day for seven days to enjoy Tiktok. As per the need of customers, they can also subscribe to both Facebook and Tiktok add-on data.
4G users can easily subscribe to this offer by dialing *17123*1# and following the instructions. Similarly, after subscribing to this offer, customers can buy add-on data for Facebook and Tiktok.
Ncell has launched this Nonstop YouTube offer targeting 4G users, in line with its commitment to provide quality service to customers at affordable rates. After the launch of 4G in 2017, the company has widely expanded its 4G network in the country.
Ncell has already stated that the company is delighted to introduce the ‘Nonstop YouTube’ offer to ensure access to the vast video library of YouTube at a time the country is witnessing a massive growth in data utilization supported by video content. The company believes that the offer bundled with 4GB all time all network data and facility for customers to subscribe to add-on data for popular social networking platforms will add a great value to customers.
To be eligible to take benefit from this Nonstop YouTube offer, customers should have Ncell 4G SIM, and they should be in 4G coverage network area with 4G network compatible handset.
Customers who have not upgraded their 3G SIM cards to 4G SIMs can easily update their SIM cards by visiting nearest Ncell Centres, and while doing so, they also get an additional 1 GB day pack data volume for free.
In line with its commitment and the new umbrella theme, ‘Plus,’ Ncell will continue to bring more exciting offers for customers. Stay tuned.
Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has instructed the service providers not to issue more than two SIM cards in the name of a single person.
The NTA board made this decision and gave instructions to all the five mobile service providers in Nepal on Sunday.
This means if you have more than two SIM cards from the same service provider in your name, you have to disable the ones that you don’t use. Or, your service provider could also transfer the name to another person on your request.
Furthermore, most financial transactions these days verify identity using the SIM card (phone number). For example, your eSewa ID is often your own mobile number.
Likewise, banking card, mobile banking, and other systems also rely on SIM card to operate.
How does NTA expect Users to Cooperate?
Firstly, this provision is also applicable to old SIM cards. The respective operators will assign a time limit for old users and instruct them to transfer the registered name to another person.
That is, in case the user has more than two SIM cards from the same operator in their name.
Moreover, minors will only get one SIM card for which, the parental guarantee is necessary. The operators shall verify the parental relationship on the basis of necessary documents.
NTA can impose a maximum fine of up to Rs. 50,000 as per Sub-Section 1 of Section 28 of the Telecommunications Act, 2053 BS if operators don’t comply.
Nepal Telecom can Sell Additional SIM Cards
According to the new directive, mobile operators can’t sell more than two SIM cards per person, either postpaid or prepaid.
However, Nepal Telecom can sell additional CDMA SIM cards. This means that two SIM cards will be issued for GSM service and one more SIM for CDMA service.
The Family Welfare Division under the Division of Health Services has resumed its much-anticipated National Measles-Rubella (MR) Campaign inside Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC). Ncell Private Limited, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and UNICEF, has been supporting the government for this national campaign to immunize children across the country between the age of 9 months to 5 years.
The mass immunization campaign that started in mid-February 2020 was earlier postponed due to the COVID-19, and it resumed inside KMC on June 25, adopting safety measures amid the risk of the potential spread of the coronavirus. Through this campaign in KMC, the government has targeted to immunize over 100,000 children between the age of 9 months to 5 years with the MR vaccine inside the metropolitan city.
The government’s statistics indicate that cases of MR outbreak are increasing at an alarming rate post-2015. Measles outbreaks have been reported in various districts, including in Kathmandu, amid the coronavirus pandemic. As of mid-May 2020, more than 325 measles cases have been confirmed. There were 431 confirmed cases of measles in 2019.
In KMC, the MR campaign is being carried out in three phases covering all 32 wards. Under the first phase, children of Ward 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 31, and 32 were immunized during June 25-27. In the second phase, which started on June 28 and continues till June 30, children of Ward 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 11, 12, 13, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 are being vaccinated. This campaign will be carried out in Ward 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 in the third phase starting July 1 to 3.
Ncell, as a community part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MoHP and National Health Education and Communication Centre (NHEICC) in 2019 as an exclusive awareness partner for supporting the government to raise health awareness across the country. In line with this, Ncell has been supporting the government from the forefront for driving the national immunization campaign with technical support from UNICEF and Partner organizations that started from mid- February 2020 (Falgun, 2076) and was halted due to COVID- 19 pandemic.
This collaboration of Ncell with the Nepal government for this noble cause will contribute towards supporting the government to reduce the number of death and disability in children and meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of eliminating MR by 2023. The company has also been supporting the government is COVID-19 awareness and prevention. Previously in October 2019, Ncell, in collaboration with the MoHP, had supported the government in broadcasting Dengue awareness messaging across the country via multiple channels of communication.
Data has evolved significantly, and it’s hard to imagine everyday lives without the use of the internet. Who remembers the days when you had to sit at your computer waiting for a connection to establish with your Internet Service Provider (ISP)? Indeed, I am talking about dial-up Internet access.
Technology has come a long way with the use of FTTH (Fiber To The Home) that uses optical fiber to provide high-speed internet access. That’s not it!
Noticed how our attention has shifted to mobile data? Mobile phones first came into use in 1999 A.D. in Nepal but without any internet service.
Every successful generation of wireless mobile communication – abbreviated to “G” – have shaped our lives. With the introduction of 4G service in Nepal in 2017, we witnessed a breakthrough in mobile internet service.
At present, the mobile penetration rate stands at 129% in Nepal, while the internet has reached 72% of the population as per the Nepal Telecommunications Authority.
With this, we have stepped into a world where our daily lives and works are dependent on the use of the internet. It has become a necessity as the primary source of information and communications.
Importance of ICT for the betterment of the Nation
We all know how crucial the internet has become in our personal and professional lives. Realizing the importance of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the government has already come up with the Digital Nepal Framework.
Though this pandemic created a significant health crisis, it has supported in intensifying digitization in multiple sectors such as work from home and online learning. Undoubtedly, the pandemic has tested the preparedness of the digital shift in Nepal.
Many educational institutes in urban centers have shifted to online education, and employees have started working from home. However, for the lack of connectivity or in the absence of quality internet service in rural parts of the country, people are deprived of the advantages that connectivity brings to them.
The preparedness of dealing with remote learning and working scenario in city areas prove that there has been good progress in ICT even as the country lagged far behind in the global ICT development index. This pandemic, government policies such as ICT Policy, National Broadband Policy, and Digital Nepal Framework underline the need for ICT development with broadband. Besides infrastructure development, there is also a need to increase digital literacy to reap benefits from digitization by narrowing the current massive digital divide in the country.
Challenges from a Customer Point-of-View
When we talk about a customer, we need to address their capacity to afford a technology followed by the customer care service. But high-speed and reliable internet continues to be the most significant gaps in Nepal’s online services.
The inability to afford service ties up to the economy of the country and its GDP. Furthermore, the per capita income in urban areas is usually higher than in rural areas.
Ultimately, this leads to a difference in the ability to purchase the service or technology. It is known as Digital Poverty.
Now, the accessibility of the internet, which, as mentioned earlier, is quite a pitfall in the rural areas. This creates challenges in communication and customer care. Moreover, digital literacy is a crucial factor when it comes to customer care, as users need to understand the basic features of the technology.
Cybersecurity in the Context of Nepal
Awareness is the first line of defense when it comes to cybersecurity. With more people shifting to digital platforms, the importance of cybersecurity and data security is eventually coming to light.
Most Nepali companies deal with data, and that includes the major online service providers in Nepal. The security vulnerabilities in the database of these companies can compromise the personal information of thousands of customers.
And, there have been many incidents of data dumps and website defacing in the past. Most companies ignore cybersecurity in the company’s investment. But when it comes to securing data, there’s another factor that comes to play, which is proper awareness and training among the staff.
Another risk factor when it comes to cybersecurity in Nepal is vendor dependency. Moreover, outsourcing to third-party agents could compromise the organization’s data.
Several factors need attention to achieve a secure work environment. To sum it up, decision-makers and policy-makers in Nepal have yet to realize the urgency of proper guidelines in the cybersecurity domain.
Role of Government and Future Plans
The government is going forward with the Digital Nepal Framework. Its primary focus should be on developing the ICT and telecommunications sector.
With the budget announcement for the fiscal year 2077/78, the government distinctly showed interest in developing ICT infrastructures. The government has allocated Rs 7.13 billion for the ICT sector in the coming fiscal year. The new budget prioritized cashless economy and Nepal and, as a result, focuses on enhancing cybersecurity.
Currently, all 77 district headquarters in Nepal have access to broadband services like 3G-HSPA, 4G-LTE, WiMAX, and ADSL. In this coming fiscal year, the government shall focus on expanding the 4G network and deliver FTTH throughout the country. The critical factor for the digital shift is connectivity.
It is quite fair to say that the government can’t change the course of digitization in Nepal alone. However, the telco and ICT sectors can easily support the Digital Nepal movement of the government.
Final Say
With combined forces, the government needs to build a resilient infrastructure for robust connectivity and affordable broadband services. The critical thing to address is that there is a whole ecosystem, and its components are interdependent.
As announced in the budget by the government, the optical fiber project, which is considered as the backbone for Digital Nepal, must be completed within two years to link all districts with information superhighway and expanding broadband connection to beyond district headquarter level.
When we are dreaming big for digitization, the systematic way could be to implement a multi-stakeholder approach so that experts in the field can collaboratively generate practical ideas. Similarly, third-party risk assessment is crucial in securing the privacy of the organization.
At the same time, when we are talking about developing ICT and telco infrastructure, we also need to address the cyber threats that it would invite upon. Security and privacy are two sides of the same coin. Figuring out a way to secure data privacy and other security layers will bring a balance in this ecosystem.
The customer has to appear in person with an identity card Or authorized warrant to buy a SIM card. The Nepal Telecom Authority (NTA) has directed to sell the SIM card only after verifying the official identity card of the person concerned.
The Telecom Authority has sent a letter to the mobile service providers on June 29, stating that unauthorized giving of SIM cards to another person will affect any other person’s mobile number, banking service, email service, social network, and other digital services. And may have access to data.
In the case of loss or damage, the arrangement shall implement in case of getting a new SIM card. The authority has directed mobile service providers to sell SIM cards sold by themselves or through other official vendors only if the customer has the person. If the customer is not able to attend in person, the authority has only asked to give the SIM card to the person who brought it under the law or the influence.
“Unauthorize access to other people’s mobile numbers has led to unauthorized access to Facebook and other digital services and data, including banking services, email services, social networks, as well as increased security risks. While providing the SIM card, the customer should be present by verifying the copy with the customer’s original identity card (citizenship certificate or voter ID card or passport or other identity card determined by the authority), checking the form filled by the customer and if the customer is not present the SIM card should only available to the person who has inherited it or brought it to the authority”. It said in the instruction issued by the authority.
In collaboration with TU, Ncell has launched a special data offer for students. The “mobile class” helps students take online lessons and learn from home.
Ncell’s e-learning data provides 10 GB of Microsoft computers, 4 GB of the Internet, and 2 GB of video data. This allows students to learn online while living at home during this lockdown time. To activate the data, you can call * 17123 * 20 # or SMS EDU at 17123. For more information, visit https://www.ncell.axiata.com/staysafe
Nepal Telecom launches a CDMA mobile service in Beas village municipality of Darchula. Telecom has built a tower targeting the BOP of the Armed Police Force in Chhangru.
Earlier, Telecom had requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to expand telecom services. Technicians accommodate in the coordination of the Home Ministry and District Administration Office.
Telecom has constructed a tower in the area by helicopter with the help of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The tower will operate in Chhangaru, Kalapani, Gunji, Kuti, and Tinker areas.
According to Nepal Telecom, the tower will benefit the residents of Nepal as well as parts of India.
Educational institutions are teaching their students through video conferencing and video tutorials. In this case, students and teachers need high-speed bandwidth.
The company said “The pack is with the aim of helping students and teachers to conduct classes. The speed of the internet will be high so students can study without any problem. The package also includes the ‘Focus Mode’ feature and Net TV service.
The company said that the Net TV service included in the package includes more than 250 channels. Features such as ‘pause’ and ‘play’, catchup TV, a movie on-demand, and mobile apps.
According to the company, this pack will be available at Rs 1,700 per month.
‘Via Secure’ is for protection under Focus Mode. This will help to block many sites including games, YouTube, Facebook. Online classes will be conduct, and the focus will be on reading.
The government plans to monitor the country’s Internet traffic at 1 billion rupees. The number of Internet users in Nepal has increased rapidly in the last year. This happens when people now view the Internet as the leading service of their lives. This is the familiar feeling in Nepal when city dwellers use the Internet and all the time.
There were 10.21 million Internet users in Nepal by January 2020. The number of Internet users in Nepal increased by 315,000 (+ 3.2%) between 2019 and 2020. Internet penetration in Nepal was 35% in January 2020.
Due to the increasing use of the Internet, many crimes and illegal activities have occurred online. Online crimes are hard to find out if a country has open Internet infrastructure. so, The government plans to monitor the Internet.
What is Internet monitoring?
Internet monitoring involves collecting and analyzing behavior, activities, or information to influence, manage, or controlling the websites visited by users, services, or individual devices. Monitoring allows governments and other agencies to maintain social control, Identify and monitor threats, prevent and investigate criminal activities.
There are many websites and resources on the Internet that are not suitable for children and adults. Most adult and pornographic sites that are not suitable for children are prohibited.
What is the government planning to do?
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority plans to purchase an integrated system for automatic content filtering and URL blocking. It would cost a total of Rs 1 billion.
After applying the filter, we can only see the resources that the government has shown us on the Internet, which can violate people’s freedom.
Do you think internet monitoring is proper?
Internet monitoring can be very beneficial for the government. Cybercrime will reduce and increase security. All harmful websites are prohibited. Internet productivity will increase while toxic sites will be banned. But, people’s privacy is violated, and nobody likes to be watched. Any government surveillance of social media poses a serious risk to users’ privacy and freedom of expression. Even public posts on social media can reveal many private details about a person. Messages and publications that you do not make the public can contain particularly confidential information since this information is intended for a limited audience.
Ncell customers can now buy data and voice packs in a hassle-free way from digital wallets and authorized Ncell point of sales (PoS). Ncell Private Limited has partnered with three mobile wallets companies and enabled its own PoS to sell such service packs.
Ncell makes buying data and voice packs easier
Customers can buy packs directly via Khalti, Prabhupay, and Unipay wallets
Authorized PoS to also sell the data and voice packs
At a time when the use of digital wallets for online payments of various services is growing, Ncell has partnered with online payment platforms Khalti, Prabhupay, and Unipay. Users of these wallets from now onwards can buy Ncell’s service packs within just a few taps.
Ncell eased the process for buying services further as a part of its commitment to deliver world-class service and contribute towards the development of the country’s digital ecosystem. In the initial phase, customers will be able to buy six various data packs and six-voice packs via these wallets, using the funds available in the wallet or through the amount reserved in users’ bank account linked with the wallet.
“Ncell always strives to bring in the best solutions to address the need of customers going digital. Under this partnership with digital wallets, we are making a dozen of our popular data and voice packs available, enabling wallet users to buy service packs instantly,” said Pradeep Shrivastava, a chief commercial officer of Ncell. “We are happy that as a part of our digitization process, we have been able to make our PoS sell our services directly, adding a big value to customers.”
Customers can purchase packs from Ncell PoS without requiring them to first top-up the main balance and perform self-service. They can simply choose a pack to be subscribed, give their mobile number to PoS, and pay cash. The PoS sends a product code along with the customer’s mobile number to the Ncell system using SMS or USSD and the selected pack will be activated directly in the customer’s mobile number.
From authorized PoS of Ncell, Khalti, Prabhupay, and Unipay, customers can buy data packs such as 2100MB at just Rs 98.99 including tax where they get 300MB every day for 7 days. They can purchase 15000MB just at Rs. 498.83 including tax where gets 500MB every day for 30 days.
For those who need more data, there is also an option to subscribe to 36,000MB data at Rs 998.97 including tax. In this pack, customers are entitled to get 1200MB data per day for 30 days. One common and the main feature of these packs is that; the main balance will not be used even after consuming all data pack until the validity period remains.
Nepal’s largest Internet Service Provider (ISP), Worldlink has successfully deployed IPv6 along with IPv4. It is a tried and tested process that Worldlink has managed to adopt by realizing the depletion of IPv4.
With wireless and network-connected devices increasing rapidly every day, the unique IPv4 addresses will soon exhaust at some point. In fact, it was supposed to happen in the early 2010s. However, selling and re-using of IPv4 has somehow delayed the exhaustion problem, until now.
Speaking at APRICOT 2020, Rabindra Maharjan from Worldlink shared the journey of the ISP to IPv6. He gave an insight into the challenges they’ve faced and how they managed to successfully implement the dual-stack solution.
He adds that implementing dual-stack was the easier way to go around the problems as alternative methods would require multiple levels of research. “It is too early to build an IPv6 network only as of now. Maybe in the future, we can go for IPv6 network only but only when all the contents are ready for migration from IPv4 to IPv6,” he said.
Currently, Worldlink provides IPv6 services to over 100K customers. Furthermore, the traffic mix is around 51% on IPv6, while it is 44% on IPv4.
The aim is to work on improving the IPv6 percentage.
Source: APNIC (A sharp increase in Nepal’s IPv6 capability from Feb 2020)
What is IPv4/IPv6 Dual Stack?
If you have no concept of the difference between IPv4 and IPv6, let’s just say that IPv6 is a new IP address format. It is not new in terms of its discovery as it came into existence in 1998.
However, it’s sole purpose is to replace the IPv4 protocol when the time comes.
Take a look at an example of the difference between the two formats:
A significant problem arises while converting to IPv6 which ISPs face.
That’s where the method of dual-stack comes to the rescue. In this solution, every server, switch, router, networking device, and firewall in an ISP’s network is configured with both IPv4 and IPv6.
Most importantly, it enables the ISPs to process both IPv4 and IPv6 data traffic simultaneously.
Also say, your default browser protocol is IPv6. Then, it can fallback to IPv4 within a few seconds if its default protocol doesn’t work.
Worldlink’s Journey to IPv6
With thorough research by getting a team together, Worldink selected dual-stack as their go-to solution. By doing so, Worldlink prevented extra overhead of transition options such as header translation and encapsulation.
Addressing plan that Worldlink chose:Source: Journey to IPv6
Deployment Challenges
Rabindra Maharjan highlighted the challenges faced by Worldlink in this journey. According to him, the first challenge was to control bandwidth as they are running dual-stack. So, there is a need to control IPv4 and IPv5 pipes independently.
Figure – Bandwidth shaping solution
Secondly, IPv6 traffic was blocked on switching. Similarly, they realized that there is no filtering mechanism for IPv6 on CPEs as of yet.
The visibility of IPv6 distribution on CPEs to end devices was also an issue. This made it difficult to figure out which IPv6 address was assigned to which end device. Likewise, Rabindra and his team found it difficult to troubleshoot issues from CPEs.
What’s Next?
Tests show a slightly better latency over IPv6. Rabindra suggests it is because there aren’t as many layers of processing as compared to Network Address Translation (NAT).
The future plan is migrating Worldlink’s internal infrastructure to IPv6. As of now, they have created an AAAA record for their company website.
It is conceptually similar to the A record. But, the AAAA record allows specifying the IPv6 address of the server, rather than the IPv4.
Click here to see more of what Rabindra Maharjan has to share regarding IPv6 at Worldlink.
Ncell returned 520.88 rupees as ‘adjustment’ to a person’s account (May 21). The company deducted balance from the person’s account for automatic subscriptions of MusicMeter Content, VideoPlus Content, and Huawei Games Content services. Furthermore, Ncell had auto-renewed these services due to which a massive amount was charged.
If you thought that’s worse, wait for the next part.
The mobile number belongs to a laborer who uses a bar phone! So, there’s no way he could’ve even subscribed to any of those services by accident. His phone doesn’t even support the mentioned services.
How did the laborer come to know about this?
He visited a tech-savvy person to recharge his phone with 100 rupees through Khalti – a digital wallet. Later that evening, he again visited the person complaining that he did not have enough balance on his phone.
When the person checked the balance history through the Ncell app, he came to know that Ncell had charged the laborer’s account for unnecessary services without his knowledge and consent.
Then, the person tried messaging Ncell on Facebook to inform them of this incident. He couldn’t get a hold of Ncell via message so he wrote a short article and posted on Facebook group Entrepreneurs for Nepal.
After doing so, he came to know that others too had faced similar issues. Also, he found out that Ncell returned their balance after they repeatedly contacted the company. Soon enough, Ncell officials got in touch with him and asked for details assuring him that they would look at the issue.
This morning, he received a message from the company on Facebook thanking him for informing about the issue. Thus, Ncell made an adjustment in the balance.
The person then informed the laborer of this and checked his balance history through the app again. He found that 520.88 rupees had been returned by Ncell.
Basanta K. Dhakal covered this story as well on his Facebook timeline as he thanks Ncell for this. At the same time, he raises a question to Ncell:
Truly, these questions are more important than we realize. Balance deductions without knowledge or consent are not a new thing but when does it stop?
What’s your take on this? Have you come across similar incidents as well?
Mobile users in Nepal have increased with a dependency on the Internet. It is no surprise that Nepalese people use both Wi-Fi and extensive mobile data to consume internet content.
In a recent report published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on mobile data and voice pricing, Nepal ranked at 110th position out of 183 countries in the world.
This report is performed with the cheapest internet providing countries ranked at the top and most expensive internet services ranking at the bottom. Nepal ranking at a 110th position is a clear indication that its internet services are very expensive.
If we compare the world ranking only into South Asian countries, Nepal ranks second on the most expensive mobile internet. Afghanistan in South Asia is the most expensive internet provider. The mobile data used in Afghanistan is up to 9.2 percent of its per capita income (PCI).
Meanwhile, in Nepal, the per capita spending on mobile internet is up to 2.8 percent. On the other hand, Sri Lanka ranks as the cheapest mobile internet provider in South Asian countries. The mobile data spent on Sri Lanka is only o.6 percent of per capita income.
Additionally, Sri Lanka ranks in the 29th position in the worldwide scenario which is still a great achievement. Pakistan stands at the 37th position while India stands at 49th position in the world.
India spends 0.9 percent of per capita income on mobile data. Likewise, Bhutan standing at 68th position spends 1.1 percent.
Luxembourg is the world’s cheapest mobile data provider, ranking at 1st position, and spending only 0.2 percent of its per capita income. In contrast, Congo represents the most expensive mobile data in the world. Users in Congo have to spend a massive 61.2 percent of their per capita income on mobile data.
Today (May 17, 2020) marks the 51st World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. The celebration of this day has been grand even in Nepal in previous years. Every year since 1969, ITU has been celebrating this event with great pride as it marks its establishment back on 17 May 1865.
In 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) called upon the UN General Assembly to declare May 17 as World Information Society Day (WISD). However, that changed in March 2006 when the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, decided to combine the two as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD).
This year too, ITU is hosting a virtual conversation on ‘Connect 2030: ICTs for Sustainable Development Goals’. This theme will allow ITU membership to reflect on the ICT advances for the transition to smart and sustainable development. Furthermore, this day marks the importance of the telecommunications sector to connect diverse groups of people and cultures across the world.
Moreover, the importance of the telecommunications sector has increased with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. People are maintaining social distancing as a protocol to prevent the spread of the virus. At such times, communication and technology have connected us more than ever.
The Importance of World Telecommunications and Information Society Day
As a matter of fact, information sharing has become an urgency during the pandemic to stay updated. It is important to stay updated for own safety and caution.
The world is experiencing a drastic online shift and it wouldn’t be possible without technology. What we are witnessing today like virtual meetings and online education will soon become the new normal.
On the occasion of this day, ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao says, “These technologies and new innovations hold great potential for human progress; they are a powerful tool to achieve each and every one of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
“Almost half the world’s population is still not using the Internet, and overall growth in ICT connectivity is slowing. Time is pressing,” he adds.
He believes that we should unite and double our efforts in connecting everyone to the global digital economy. It must be done in order to ensure safe and reliable connected life.
Similarly, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres believes that new technologies, from 5G and big data to cloud computing and AI, are powerful tools to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, including the pandemic.
The ITU has set some targets for the ‘Connect 2030: ICTs for Sustainable Development Goals’. One of the targets is to make the internet accessible to 65% of households by 2023 worldwide. Similarly, another is that 40% of the total population should be interacting with government services online.
These targets are prepared to contribute to the five strategic goals of the Connect 2030 Agenda:
Nepal is moving forward with the Digital Nepal Framework. Nepal is expecting to lead internet penetration by 2025 in comparison to China and India. Recent reports suggest mobile penetration exceeding 100% and internet penetration reaching 63% in Nepal.
Similarly, statistics from the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) suggest access to the internet in Nepal has reached 71.76% of the total population. Meanwhile, the number of SIM card subscribers is 39.17% more than the total population.
Currently, Nepal ranks 140th in the list of ITU. The government has recently claimed to prioritize digital channels for education, payment, and develop the telco sector. President Bidhya Devi Bhandari announced this at a joint meeting of the Federal Parliament on Friday (May 15).
The telco industry and digital services complement each other and the development of the ICT sector will end of the digital divide. The government has already started making the internet accessible in the rural areas which will boost the process to achieve the target.
If the government succeeds to meet the targets for the Framework, Nepal can move up the ranks in the ITU list.
Government Business Digitization, Online Education, and Telco Development Within the Next 2 Years
In the coming Fiscal year, the government is planning to bring programs to establish and develop ICT infrastructures. The government aims to promote digital business for this purpose.
President Bidhya Devi Bhandari presented the policy and program for the coming fiscal year in the federal parliament on Friday. President Bhandari said that all government transactions will become digital within two years while discouraging cash transactions.
The government business and transactions will go cashless according to the President. Similarly, she announced the development of telecommunications infrastructure and industry in partnership with service providers to make internet service easily accessible.
“Within two years, all government transactions will become cashless. Arrangements will be made for cashless transactions and all kinds of business payments to be made electronically,” announced President Bhandari.
She also said the government would prioritize online education. Addressing the joint sitting of the federal parliament, she said that electronic teaching materials will be provided to support online education.
“For this, IT labs and high-speed internet facility will be provided in all public secondary schools,” said President Bhandari.
Now, it seems like the problem has been solved by Nepal Telecom according to reports. As mentioned in the previous article regarding the issue, we hadn’t faced the balance deduction issue. So, we had to confirm the news from Nepal Telecom itself.
What was the NTC Balance Deduction Issue all about?
A post in social media confirming the deduction of Rs. 0.09 (9 paise) on data usage went trending. Other NTC users jumped aboard and commented on the post confirming that they are too facing the same issue.
We then asked the Managing Director of Nepal Telecom, Dilli Ram Adhikari regarding this issue. This is what he told us:
He also added that a team was researching to find the issue with certain devices. Mr. Adhikari had confirmed that some devices start a session as soon as mobile data is turned on while it may happen during internet browsing in other devices.
So, to confirm the news of the issue fix, we asked Mr. Adhikari for an update. Here is what he has to say:
“Our team at billing and core network departments are monitoring the issue. The problem persisted on some device, not all so I say it is a device-specific or application-specific issue. When our standard configuration doesn’t coincide with the device/application configuration, it could lead to unexpected balance deduction due to data connectivity.
So, we have been monitoring and following the complaints from users to change our configuration. The Operating System (OS) server and user device are two end-points while we are the medium or channel for connectivity. The devices also have certain internal configurations for their OS server to establish a connection when mobile data is active.
I have not received any report of such issues recently but with new devices and application launching in the market, we will make sure to update our configuration continuously.”
Are you still facing balance deduction issues with your device? Let us know if you are still facing the issue!
Under this fund, there are 18 projects which are currently under operation.
The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) informs that out of these 18 projects under the fund, 11 projects are working to provide services in 41 districts.
This covers a total of 7053 places in all these districts and the fund spent for this is Rs. 2.67 billion.
These include municipal and village offices, health institutes, ward offices, and community schools in all the districts.
To clarify, there is an improvement in the development of the usage of the fund. So far, 57.45 percent of the internet connection is complete under the broadband internet access project.
This information that we shared with you is made public by the NTA in a press release.
The NTA also made public the actual number of sites with an internet connection. The details are:
Local body 431, which is 61.48%
Ward Offices 3,612 which is 60.68%
Secondary Schools 2,948 which is 52.67%
Health Institutions 2,546 which is 58.52%
In 2018, NTA informed that it is developing 18 broadband internet projects under RTDF in rural parts of the country. Intending to mobilize RTDF and increase people’s access to the internet, NTA awarded all 18 such projects to internet service providers (ISPs).
Under these projects, ISPs require to expand broadband internet service in the government offices, particularly in all rural municipalities across the country, schools, hospitals, public places, and rural areas.
Future Plans
According to NTA, the expansion of internet services to the remaining district will commence after the lockdown period is over.
NTA claims that providing free internet to local bodies, schools, and health centers through the fiber is its major priority. In fact, the progress is quite significant in different phases.
However, there has been some delay in the work of fiber expansion due to the lack of coordination with the Road Department and Electricity Authority.
There has been a surge in Internet and Data traffic since the beginning of the lockdown in Nepal. With the increment in internet usage, demand for digital services grows as well.
According to the NTA Statistics up to Baisakh 2077, 72% of people in Nepal use the Internet. Meanwhile, 54% of people use the internet through mobile data.
There are still many places in rural and remote areas where people don’t have access to the internet. Nepal Telecom claims to be working on various plans regarding the expansion of internet access in rural areas.
Let’s hope within a few months, we witness astonishing progress from the telco sector.
Internet Service Provider Association of Nepal (ISPAN) has published a press release regarding its contribution to fighting the pandemic. ISPAN informs of its economic and safety equipment contributions through the press release.
Furthermore, it addresses the increasing rate of coronavirus cases in Nepal in recent days. Also, the statement mentions the responsibility of each individual in fighting the pandemic.
The press release includes the following points:
The Chief Minister of the National Innovation Center, Shri Mahabir Pun, has been contributing to fight coronavirus by providing various types of health products at the local level for free. Therefore, ISPAN has provided financial support of Rs. 5,00,000/- for this program.
Manav Sewa Ashram, Bhaktapur has been doing philanthropic work by feeding the needy twice a day during the pandemic. The association informs of its involvement for the cause by providing Rs. 2,01,000/- as financial support.
The association has supported the Traffic Police Station by providing 300 units of K95 Mask, 300 units of Sanitizer, 5 packets (500 units) of gloves.
We have provided assistance to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner’s Office, Ranipokhari by providing 300 units of K95 masks, 300 units of sanitizers, 5 packets (500 units) of gloves.
We have provided 375 units of K95 masks, 300 units of sanitizers, 5 packets (500 units of gloves) to journalist friends under the Nepal Press Council.
In addition, we have provided 300 units of 95 masks, 300 units of sanitizers, 50 packets (5,000 units of gloves), and 15,000 units of general masks to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
ISPAN expresses great pride and gratification to support welfare programs and be part of such programs. Lastly, the association urges everyone to stay home and stay safe.
University students who are feeling left out from their real classrooms can now take benefit from virtual learning during this global health crisis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Ncell Private Limited has launched ‘Mobile Class Data Pack’, in collaboration with Tribhuwan University (TU), the first national institution of higher education in the country.
Ncell brings Mobile Class Data Pack in collaboration with TU
Targeted to university students for online learning
16 GB data for Rs 150
Exclusive 10 GB data to facilitate learning via MS Teams
The data pack loaded with 16 GB data volume has come into effect from today (Wednesday, May 13) with a focus to address the need of those students who are staying at home and worried about the requirement of connectivity to go online for distance learning. This pack comes with a validity of 7 days and costs Rs 150 (Rs.191.54 including all applicable taxes.)
Under this pack, students can enjoy 4 GB all-time data and 2 GB video packs. Students can use all time data in any network (3G/4G), while the video pack can be used to browse Youtube, iFlix, and Google services. In this pack, what is something very special for students is; 10 GB data to access Microsoft Teams services for online learning or meetings with teachers and fellow students.
Students can simply subscribe to this pack by dialing in *17123*20# or by typing Edu and sending SMS to 17123. Customers can also buy this pack from the Ncell app.
Ncell is delighted to launch this special pack for students to contribute to virtual learning in partnership with the country’s pioneer university. The company believes that the pack specially designed for university students, who need to get connected with their university peers and teachers to facilitate learning online will add great value to the students during this trying times.
In this health crisis, by adopting the operating environment quickly, Ncell has been proactively introducing various consumer plans and products to ensure customers have access to communications services with ease. The company has launched multiple offers which include 120% bonus on recharge, 25% discount on a pay as you go (PAYG) internet, 15 GB Stay Home data pack, free balance transfer service, increased Saapati limit, SMS and data on credit, reduction on call rates to 15 destinations and access to free digital services.
Nepal Telecom loses about Rs. 670 million in the third quarter of the current fiscal year. The state-owned telecommunications company witnessed a drop of Rs. 669.43 million as compared to last year. The company had earned Rs. 27.50 billion as of mid-April last fiscal year. Meanwhile, the company’s total service income for the same period this year is only Rs. 26.83 according to the latest public third quarterly report.
The company has claimed that the reasons for this decline are the discounts on recharge cards and the nationwide lockdown. Nepal Telecom announced a 100% bonus on recharge or top-ups long before the lockdown. The company has stated that Rs. 534 million has been already distributed as the bonus in the top-up till April.
The Telco stated that it has started calculating discounts instead of commissions on the sales of recharge cards from April 1. The commission will be provided only after calculating the total sales but the discounts will be given before the sales. Thus, the report reflects the decline in income from the service.
Moreover, the telco mentioned the negative impact of the lockdown on revenue for the month of April. Along with the 100 percent bonus, the company also provided zero balance package worth Rs. 53 million. Similarly, it also provided a discount of 27% – 30% on the basic rate of mobile service which amounts to Rs. 82 million in total.
In addition, the company contributed Rs. 100 million to the coronavirus Prevention, Control, and Treatment Fund. But that still doesn’t cover the total impact. The increase in foreign exchange rates and the increase in the minimum wage for manpower has also affected the profits.
Ncell commits malpractice yet again. The case is going viral on social media. In the name of Huawei game content and business handling charges, Ncell seems to be cutting the balance of up to Rs 15.32 per day. Ncell is cutting those balances without the consent of its users. Moreover, most users are not aware of the charges.
In July 2019, Basanta K. Dahal, a Ncell user was a victim of a similar incident where Ncell cut off balance for similar services. The news went public through a popular social media page, Routine of Nepal Bandha.
Here is a post from 10 months ago.
Please embed this link through WordPress:
The recent malpractice
The news is surfacing again when Ncell user Chandak Nayak’s screenshot of his daily deduction of Rs 11.49 went public. This deduction was made in the name of Huawei game content.
Source: TechPana
In the screenshot, Ncell deducted 11.49 rupees in the name of Huawei Games content at 8:57 pm on Sunday. And the same amount for the second time at 1:37 pm on Monday.
After Nayak’s post on Facebook, other Ncell users are also taking screenshots saying that they are cutting money from their mobiles in the same way.
In another screenshot, 11.49 rupees in the name of the business handling fee. Customers who lost balance in the name of the various game content and business handling complained that they never used such content and have not even sent any request for it.
Users are seeing digital ads on Facebook, Android handset’s app, or Google pages. Once users click the digital ads page, the third party partner’s subscription page opens. Which explains in detail the method of charging.
After the service users confirm on the partner’s page, Ncell’s consent page opens and the user’s subscription is confirmed by Ncell. When reconfirming in this way, it is ensured that the user has subscribed to a certain service on such a page for a certain fee.
Once this process is complete, the user has three options. There is a confirmation option in one of the options. If the user agrees to all the terms of the company, he must click on the ‘terms’ button.
The second option is ‘not now’. Clicking on it does not cut the balance. Similarly, there is another third option, ‘no action’. If you click on it, the user can exit the page. There is no charge.
Similarly, Ncell has partnered with local and international value-added service providers to provide games, entertainment, and utilities. The services provided by such VAS service providers to Ncell users are exclusive and without advertisements.
International digital advertising agencies send digital ads to users’ handsets. For example, once users receive an ad, they will see the ads on various platforms, including Facebook and Google, after the Viber and WhatsApp calls have ended.
If anyone wants to avoid these types of subscriptions, they need to read the advertisement notification carefully. Don’t click the subscription button. Do not confirm any advertisement without reading it carefully.
Ncell sends messages and notifications to third party VAT providers before cutting off balances, as well as taking action to stop such services.
Vianet, one of the leading ISPs in Nepal has increased its FUP quota on its unlimited internet plans. The internet service provider decides to boost the Fair usage limit by up to 60%.
People cannot go outside of their houses and cannot perform any travel-related activities during this lockdown. The demand and usage of the internet have skyrocketed since it’s a major source of refreshment, entertainment, and alternate to professional space.
Vianet’s new announcement to increase the FUP Quota is a matter of rejoicing to every heavy internet user.
In simpler words, the Fair Usage Policy is a guideline that’s followed by every ISP in the world to monitor and keep bandwidth usage in check. FUP can be considered as a defense mechanism against unjust bandwidth consumption by capping the speed. ISPs also need to buy “Bandwidth” which is exactly why there’s no “unlimited” bandwidth supply.
Providing unlimited Internet service increases the risk of a few customers abusing the service and using most of the ISP’s bandwidth. This makes it difficult for ISPs to maintain quality for other customers who have moderate usage and are paying an equal amount of money. In order to prevent this, ISP throttles or restricts speeds of customers who have excessive usage so as to maintain fair usage amongst all of its customers.
The FUP implementation
Vianet’s Fair Usage Policy is only applicable to home packages.
Usually, companies reset FUP monitoring cycles either daily or monthly. In the case of Vianet, they check for excessive usage by monitoring client’s data usage in a monthly cycle.
Data usages are calculated by adding upload and download speeds together from the start of every English month. The internet speed starts throttling at three different levels if the data usage exceeds the threshold. The internet speed throttles by 60% in level 1 of the first stage. Followed by throttling to 30% and then 10% for levels 2 and 3 respectively.
Vianet implements the new FUP quota for all of its users in different speed range. Let’s take, for instance, the new FUP limit for 25 Mbps unlimited internet starts after usage crosses 800GB data. There will be no degradation in speed until 800 GB volume usage.
If the data volume remains within 800 to 900 GB, then the speed throttles to 15 Mbps out of 25 Mbps subscribed. This throttling speed is at level 1 volume usage. At the level 2 FUP at 900 to 1000 GB and level 3 FUP for greater than 1000 GB usage, the speed downgrades to 8 Mbps and 4 Mbps respectively.
Vianet’s all 3 level FUP Quotas
Source: Vianet (Fair Usage Monthly Quota for Home plans)
The Ultraboost Program
Vianet lets its customer buy additional data volume if they exceed the FUP quota. They call this feature “Ultraboost” which provides 25 GB data of 100 Mbps speed at the price of Rs 198 (inclusive of taxes).
This is beneficial for all professionals who require high internet speed while working from home.
Nepal Telecom users are facing balance deduction issues and its trending in social media. Apparently, it is happening several times a day with the deduction of Rs. 0.09 (9 paise) on data usage. According to the complaints, it has been happening for over a week.
We would’ve jumped to the conclusion that it is solely NTC’s system fault if all NTC users faced this issue. However, we checked the data usage of one of our mobile phones but there were no records of any balance deduction there.
Posted by Abhash Adhikari on Facebook
As you can see, the balance has been deducted several times a day. He hints at a possible loot of Rs. 9,13,860 per day. Could it really be?!
But why is this happening?
Well, some users suggest it is due to WiFi assistance or background data usage. After some digging, we found similar cases and suggestions on the internet.
A user in quora says:
There was a similar incident with Vodafone in the past in which users would constantly see an alert box that says “Vodafone session cost 0.04”. A user found two possible solutions to this:
And if it didn’t work, the second option was to change the preferred network type to 2G from your cellular network option on phone settings. Obviously, you would have to change it back to 4G to use mobile data.
What does Nepal Telecom say?
We asked the Managing Director of Nepal Telecom, Dilli Ram Adhikari about this issue. He says, “When mobile data is turned on, it sets up a session with the server and the data charge for a normal tariff is 9 paisa per 100KB. Some apps running in the background may also try to establish a session using mobile data due to which the balance is deducted.”
He also adds that it has been the same before and it is not a new case. Since now people can view their data usage history using the Nepal Telecom app, people have started noticing it. Furthermore, Mr. Adhikari says that studies have been going on to find the issue with certain devices as the balance is not deducted in all devices.
Some apps that have a nature of live monitoring and location updates send certain information and start a session which results in the balance deduction with a minimum charge. Mr. Adhikari also says that some devices may start a session as soon as mobile data is turned on while it may happen during internet browsing in other devices.
How to Restrict Data Usage on Apps
You can try restricting data usage on apps if you are unsure about any of your apps using data even if the mobile data is off.
Here’s how (on MI phone, but the procedure is similar on most phones):
Go to settings
Open data usage or cellular data option (you may have to tap on more)
You will see a list of apps
Tap on each app to toggle off the option for mobile data and background data (or on some phones, you may just have to uncheck the apps that you don’t want using mobile data)
Final Say
Whatever it is, the users are concerned about their balance deduction. Following up on social media, it seems like it is not happening with just a specific brand or type of phone. After hearing about this issue, we checked on one of our phones and found no records of such an issue.
Here’s a screenshot:
Is it happening with your phone too? Let us know more!
Nepal Telecom has launched its new e-Shikshya Package for Students, Schools, and Colleges to help them stay connected with their studies. The recent pandemic of Covid 19 has resulted in a nationwide lockdown that is affecting the learning process of students. Nepal Telecom, therefore, hopes to promote a digital learning platform with this e-Shikshya Package while respecting social distancing.
What’s an e-Shikshya Package?
E-Shikshya is a special package under which users can buy 6 GB data for Rs 260 and 15 GB data for Rs 500. These packages will be valid for 28 days.
The data obtained under 6 GB package has two-time slots. This means you can use the 3GB data out of your 6 GB data for 5 hours from morning 5 am to 10 am. You can use the remaining 3 GB data anytime.
Similarly, under the 15 GB data package, 6 GB data can be used for 5 hours from 5 am to 10 am and the remaining 9 GB data can be used all time, any time.
With recent developments in the Covid 19 cases all over the world, there is still a greater chance for the lockdown to extend. Many services in Nepal have adopted into a digital platform lately and Nepal Telecom with e-Shikshya Package is also promoting a digital Nepal.
We hope that this initiative towards e-learning is useful for both Schools and Students and we hope schools, teachers, and students participate with coordination and discipline.
ICT Frame Magazine has successfully hosted the Webinar on Effective Technology In Nepal For Post Covid-19 Recovery on 2nd May 2020 from 1 pm to 2 pm. The webinar was held on the occasion of National ICT day 2020.
All the distinguished speakers for the event placed their points thoroughly and gave an insight into the current situation of our network system. They also talked about our limitations and how we can adapt the technologies that will lead us the way forward.
Here is the panel of speakers for the webinar:
Director at NTA, Min Prasad Aryal
MD at Nepal Telecom, Dilli Ram Adhikari
MD at Vianet Communications, Binay Bohara
CEO at Subisu Cable Net, Binay Mohan Saud
The Moderator for the event, Mr. Chiranjibi Adhikari, is the co-founder of ICT Frame. It is the nation’s first woman-led online magazine in Nepal that provides ICT related news in Nepali and English languages.
The webinar covered the discussion of topics such as the technical aspect, service aspect, affordability, network resilience, and safety.
Here’s what the speakers had to say:
Min Prasad Aryal – Director, Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA)
“We have experienced a growth in both local and international data and voice traffic during the lockdown. Right now, we must focus on three important things – to make networks resilient, provide affordable services, and safe use of services.
The crisis tests our capacity – how we manage our services and how we cope with it. It teaches us to move forward with the resources we have and how to better handle it or extend it. Thus, it is extremely important for service providers to continue their services with their business plans.
We are receiving data from the ISPs and stakeholders about their service usage and plans. Definitely, we will continue our talks with the government regarding their request and support the slogan of ‘Broadband for all. It will help us move closer to the Digital Nepal Framework.
In today’s time, the role of data, voice packs, and internet service has increased and so has the demand for them. NTA will support the facilitation of technology (3G/4G/5G) and utilize the RTDF fund to further develop telecommunication infrastructures. All sectors are on the verge of going completely digital and for this to be possible, the telco sector and ISPs need to join hands.”
Dilli Ram Adhikari – Managing Director, Nepal Telecom
“I want to start by congratulating everyone present here and listening to me on this occasion of National ICT Day. Before the lockdown, Nepal Telecom had started awareness campaigns through ringback tone and SMS service. With the surge in internet traffic, we have been able to manage our services during the lockdown.
We started with a 100% bonus on mobile top-up. Similarly, Nepal Telecom introduced a bonus on voice and data packs with a 30% discount on the GSM/4G data network. We also came forward with Stay Connected packages for the users.
As the leading telco industry in the nation, we are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in three ways. The first way is by raising awareness among the general public. Another approach is by providing remote or on-site support to keep the network intact. Lastly, we managed the demand for voice and data by launching offers to continue information flow among the general public.
To tackle the challenges in the education sector, we recently made public the launch of the ‘e-shikshya package. Students and teachers will be able to utilize this package through recommendations.
The world is witnessing a socio-economic shift and we have to adapt accordingly. We have also started contract tracing in association with CCMC (Crisis Management Centre). And, we are continuously providing support through our managed call centers.
Talking about unique tariff plans for remote areas, we have a centralized system and we can’t discriminate on tariff plans. Nepal’s broadband is comparatively cheaper among the nations in South Asia. Moreover, if digital poverty prevails, then the concept of affordability of the network becomes irrelevant.”
“I believe in the current scenario, ISPs are doing a commendable job. We have been able to cope with the internet usage surge. The peak time has doubled and the local bandwidth has increased by 100% while the international bandwidth by 25%.
Moreover, taxation for internet service is high and due to these factors, we have been unable to provide our services if users don’t pay their bills. However, the government and us, ISPs, share the mutual desire to provide continuity in internet services. Initially, we even extended the accounts of users for the first 7 days of lockdown.
But, cash flow is very important for business continuity and we need to ensure the salaries of our employees and manage resources as well. In fact, we also opened counters and even collected bill payments through home visits as much as possible.
The pandemic has forced us to go digital which is a positive aspect that we need to take from it. We are encouraging our customers to perform online transactions through digital platforms for bill payment. Likewise, we are attending online meetings on Zoom and other platforms every day to find an optimum solution for better provision of our services.”
“We have started using work-from-home technologies and platforms. Talking about our service, Subisu provides both internet and TV services which have seen a sudden surge in traffic. People are working from home, shopping from home, and learning from home.
Since the internet service has been so essential lately, the ISPs started working collaboratively to continue our services. Due to our prepaid systems, some accounts that reached their expiry date may have been disabled. But I doubt if a large population has been deprived of the services.
I believe we are doing a commendable job in continuing our services and haven’t even talked about a price hike. NTA has supported us throughout all these years in our journey but currently, the ISPs need support either through taxation relief or loan services. I believe NTA needs to address this fact.”
The webinar ended with a series of Q&As which reflected on going forward by adopting new technologies. The telecom sector and ISPs need to become strong and active with new technologies like Robotics, AI, and 5G.
A practical way forward would be minimizing mass mobility and dedicating to application-oriented procedures. Concepts of IoT and M2M (Machine-to-Machine) need more focus. And, policies and regulations must be established to govern the activities.
Nepal is indeed in its digital journey towards Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s vision of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” with broad objectives. The mobile penetration rate exceeds 100%, while that of the internet reaches 63% in Nepal. Moreover, the stats of 2017 show that every hour, there were 250 new internet users in the country.
The Digital Nepal Framework has been given a green signal that will enable the nation to harness its growth potential. The telco and ICT sectors have a huge supporting role for the initiative. The country has seen remarkable improvements in the telecommunications sector, and the credit goes to mobile network operators like Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell.
Similarly, digital connectivity plays a vital role that needs immense focus to support the nation’s digital movement. During the lockdown, NTC has introduced several free services as well as cheaper packages with huge bonuses. The company certainly has the tools to boost the economy, which is especially most essential after the lockdown.
Let’s get into the topic without wasting any time.
Interview with Dilliram Adhikari – Managing Director at Nepal Telecom
Q. What might be an essential tool for economic boost up after a lengthy lockdown and why?
A: Firstly, the activities of people will get a change in the direction after the lockdown. From the person’s behavior to their effective manner, things might start changing. During such times, the best tool for boosting up the economy is digital technology.
It is essential to digitize activities through connectivity, thereby minimizing mobility. As a result, the events will be cost-effective. Also, it will generate employment opportunities in the digital sector.
The rise in efficiency will result in gaining productivity, as well. Therefore, we will rely more on ICT tools and applications to digitize complete processes. If we can achieve this, it will ultimately boost the economy of every sector.
Q. What might be the essential tools for Telco and ICT sectors for higher productivity and effectiveness?
A: The most important steps that we can take are digitizing and automating the processes. ICT and Telco sectors can minimize the physical workforce through automation. To support this shift, the critical factor is connectivity.
We can introduce concepts of virtual computing by setting up distributed networks. Similarly, to increase productivity and effectiveness, we have to focus on service delivery and dissemination on a wide range. So, the Telco sector can ensure digital connectivity while the ICT sector can contribute to digitizing activities through the application-oriented process.
Q. How can we use 4G and beyond technology for national prosperity?
A: Well, the thing about technology is that its evolution is directly proportional to demand. To fulfill the increasing demand with the development of innovation, high-speed connectivity is required. The high-speed connectivity can be further divided into two types: Fixed and Mobility connectivity.
The evolution of mobile broadband has resulted in technologies like 3G, 4G, and 5G. Currently, 4G technology can carry more business volume and a broad consumer market. That’s why we have implemented 4G technology throughout the nation.
The commercialization of 5G has also started in most countries. 5G supports high connectivity for Machine to machine (M2M) communication and the Internet of Things (IoT) in this industrial era. It can be used to operate applications with low latency.
While it will take some time for 5G to take the market, we are focusing on a mature use of 4G first. Then, we can easily make the shift to 5G. When the technology matures, it cost relatively decreases, and it becomes easier to deploy them. For now, our target is to focus on the maturity of 4G technology, which can fulfill the demand of connectivity in the context of Nepal.
Q. Are 4G and beyond technology affordable for the Nepalese people?
A: Yes, indeed. The higher speed technology will support online education, applications, e-commerce, and businesses. The core purpose of new technology is to increase efficiency in the same spectrum.
Similarly, new technologies address factors like power consumption and compactness. As a result, the deployment will be faster with low space usage, and power consumption will be lesser. Hence, in the case of such technologies, higher throughput will result in the reduction of cost.
For instance, if someone uses 5MB data at a specific price in 4G, they will be able to use the same data pack at a much lower rate in 5G.
Q. What is the significant gap for the massive application of online services or e-services from urban sectors to rural sectors?
A: One of the significant gaps of online services is high-speed, reliable connectivity. The same function may be better in urban areas and lacking in rural areas. Another difference can be service affordability – can ordinary citizens afford the services?
These inabilities tie up directly to the economy and the country’s GDP. The Per capita income may be high in urban areas while it is low in rural areas. Similarly, another issue is the unavailability of devices and the inability to purchase them.
In technical terms, it is known as digital poverty. So, these issues create a significant gap of affordability as well, which we have to address. Furthermore, even if these issues are addressed, consumers need to have the skills to operate the devices.
When we move from urban areas to rural areas, we can notice this digital divide. So, we have to address these gaps to ensure minimize the digital divide as well. With this, it will bring a shift in the paradigm of society, industry, and economy.
Q. How can the Telco sector support the Digital Nepal movement of the government?
A: The government has already passed the concept of the Digital Nepal Framework. The Framework address the initiatives to digitally develop sectors like Education, Agriculture, Tourism, Health, etc. To operate these sectors digitally, we will require ICT applications, resilient infrastructure, and a robust connectivity network.
Similarly, we will need to develop the capacity to provide broadband services to every sector and consumers. To run applications, we also require cost-effective solutions. If these things are addressed, we can successfully step forward with the initiatives of the Digital Nepal Framework.
And, the role of telecom for this is to build a resilient infrastructure for robust connectivity network and provide cost-effective broadband services.
Q. Is Nepal Telecom a service-oriented company or a profit-oriented company? How are you planning your business strategy?
A: Nepal Telecom is a state-owned telecommunication service provider, which is also known as “Rastra ko Sanchar.” Therefore, its priority is service, whether it’s profitable or non-profitable areas, accessible or remote areas. This means we have to reach and cover the grounds wherever the citizens of the nation reside.
Furthermore, our services are related to the security of the individual and the nation. For instance, if a problem arises around the nation’s border, the government will be aware of it in no time due to the availability of the network. If there is no network coverage in such areas, then, no news of any activity will get to the government or public.
The telecommunications service has a vital role to play in upgrading the lifestyle of people and developing the nation. Moreover, Nepal Telecom is a company that undertakes business processes. The reason behind this is to manage investment and expenditure for projects.
Similarly, it helps to expand our projects and deliver service to the people. So, our priority is always service even though we run a business. For this, our first strategy after the lockdown will be to digitize our processes.
We will focus on integrating ICT applications, hold online meetings, provide remote support, and work from home. Profit is a secondary aspect, while our primary character remains to disseminate reliable service throughout the nation. For that, our principal strategy will be to implement ‘ABCDE’ or Affordable Broadband Connectivity for Digital Economy.
This means that broadband connectivity should be affordable, and it should boost up the economy as well. For that, we will bring the latest and cost-effective technology, and expand the network coverage.
Q. What are your plans for national employment generation to retain the citizens of Nepal?
A: The deployment of network connectivity and broadband services help all the digital initiatives of the Digital Nepal Framework. Also, these factors contribute to boost the ICT sector and ultimately generate employment opportunities. When the stats of broadband deployment increase, it automatically creates employment.
Nepal Telecom has been responsible for generating employment directly and indirectly. When the company implements and goes forward with its strategies, it automatically creates employment. For instance, we have the responsibility to build infrastructure for optical fiber in hilly areas. Many engineers are working on this project, which means we have generated employment opportunities.
Such projects mostly utilize outsourced workforce on a contract basis, but it certainly has helped to boost employment. Similarly, 400-500 outsourced engineers were working for 4G expansion a few months back. So, we encourage the participation of a skilled workforce through outsourcing, managed services, and cross-sectoral employment.
With this, the ICT sector also sees potential development, which ultimately leads to the expansion of small and medium enterprises. Besides automatically generating employment through projects, it also leverages the overall employment generation process.
Q. Any final words on upcoming plans or suggestions to our readers?
A: Actually, we have just decided on a plan today. We are soon releasing something called ‘e-sikshya package.’ Only students will be able to buy this package with the recommendation of the concerned educational institute. We are releasing cheap data packages to support online education, which is yet to be officially announced.
We have launched several services during the lockdown to continue customer engagement and connectivity. Nepal Telecom is a state-owned company that invests its profit on the development of the nation’s economy and industrial sector. None of our earning or benefits goes outside the country.
Our transactions are transparent, and there are no hidden costs involved. Therefore, I request consumers and tutors to use our service with topmost priority through this platform.
According to a previous World Bank report, if 10% of the population gain access to broadband internet, GDP would increase by 1.3%. So, the stats are in favor of upgrading the telecommunications sector in the nation. Similarly, it will boost up the economy of the country, which will be a top priority after the lockdown.
The Digital Nepal Framework and its initiative seem very promising. And, all sectors need to play a role in speeding up the process. So, every industry working together can achieve the goal of digital Nepal earlier than expected.
Technorio and Sky Broadband enter into a partnership for the promotion of technology, including running classes online by different schools and colleges. With this partnership, Sky Broadband will be providing up to 15% discounts on all its regular internet packages. “With this discount, we believe students and teachers can get internet at affordable cost and participate in their teaching-learning activities amidst the ongoing situation caused due to Coronavirus,” says Mr. Suman Lal Pradhan, CEO of Sky Broadband. Sky Broadband will also provide special discounts to all educational institutions looking for a reliable internet connection in their schools and colleges.
Technorio had recently brought a product ‘Enform.’ With ‘Enform’ schools and colleges can Publish Results and start the admission process, online. Similarly, Technorio is also working to enable Online Classes in different schools and colleges with the help of Technology from Microsoft (MS Teams).
