Ncell to ShutDown 3G Across 200+ Towers: Key Affected Areas & 4G Upgrade Guide
16th August 2026, Kathmandu
Ncell is shutting down 3G services across 200+ towers in Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim. Learn how to upgrade to 4G and activate Ncell VoLTE for HD calls.
Ncell ShutDown 3G Across 200+
As part of its ongoing network modernization strategy, Ncell is proceeding with the phased phase-out of its legacy 3G network across multiple districts in Nepal.
Effective Bhadra 1 (August 17), the private telecom operator will discontinue 3G operations on over 200 mobile towers operating in select local levels across Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpashchim provinces.
The spectrum released from the 3G decommissioning will be immediately reallocated to expand and optimize Ncell’s 4G footprint. This migration aims to boost capacity, reduce network congestion, and deliver enhanced data and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) experiences. According to the company, Ncell’s high-speed 4G network currently reaches nearly 95% of the Nepalese population.
Regions Impacted by the Bhadra 1 3G Shutdown
The upcoming phase of the 3G phase-out directly targets specific local levels across five major districts:
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Gandaki Province:
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Gorkha District: Gorkha Municipality, Arughat, Shahid Lakhan, Bhimsen Thapa, and Dharche Rural Municipalities.
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Lamjung District: Besisahar Municipality, Marshyangdi, Dudhpokhari, Dordi, and Rainas areas.
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Lumbini Province:
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Bardia District: Gulariya, Rajapur, Thakurbaba, Madhuwan, and Geruwa local units.
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Palpa District: Tansen Municipality, Rampur, Tinau, Rambha, and Purbakhola areas.
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Sudurpashchim Province:
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Kailali District: Tikapur, Lamkichuha, Bhajani, Janaki, and Joshipur local levels.
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How to Upgrade to Ncell 4G and Activate VoLTE
Subscribers in the affected regions must transition to 4G to avoid disruption in mobile data services. Standard voice calls will continue to operate via 2G networks, but internet services will require a 4G connection.
Requirements for 4G & VoLTE Access:
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A 4G-compatible smartphone supporting LTE bands.
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An upgraded Ncell 4G SIM (USIM) or eSIM (available for free SIM swap at official Ncell Centres or authorized points of sale).
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An active Ncell VoLTE connection for crystal-clear HD voice calls.
| Feature | 3G Network (Phased Out) | 4G VoLTE Network (Upgraded) |
| Call Setup Time | Standard delay | Instant Connection |
| Voice Call Quality | Standard definition | High Definition (HD) Audio |
| Simultaneous Data & Call | Interrupted / Drops | Full simultaneous 4G browsing |
| Tariff Rate | Standard rates | Same standard tariff (No extra charge) |
Activation Steps for Ncell VoLTE:
Step 1: Dial the official Ncell VoLTE activation code: *123*11#.
Step 2: Navigate to your phone settings: Settings > Mobile Network / Connections > Enable VoLTE / HD Voice.
Step 3: Ensure your preferred network type is set to LTE / 4G.
Full 3G Network Decommissioning Roadmap
Lena Keshari Kansakar, Network Head at Ncell, emphasized that phasing out legacy technology allows the company to reallocate valuable frequency bands to high-demand 4G services.
While a substantial portion of users has already adopted 4G, many active subscribers remain on 3G purely due to unconfigured device settings rather than hardware limitations.
Following previous shutdowns conducted in Magh and Asar, Ncell is steadily progressing toward its goal of a complete 3G network shutdown by the first quarter of 2027.
For more: Ncell ShutDown 3G Across 200+
