28th March 2023, Kathmandu
Ncell is a telecommunications company that provides mobile phone services in Nepal. Recently, there have been reports that the regulator in Nepal is only allowing Ncell to feed the “eldest son” in a 5G trial. In this article, we will explain what this means. And the implications it may have for Ncell and the Nepalese telecommunications industry.
Firstly, it’s important to understand what is meant by “eldest son”. In Nepalese culture, the eldest son is typically the one who inherits the family’s assets. And is responsible for taking care of the family. In the context of the 5G trial, it seems that the regulator is only allowing Ncell to provide 5G services to a select group of customers. With a focus on those who are seen as the most important or influential.
It’s unclear why the regulator has chosen to focus on the “eldest son” in this way. Some have speculated that it may be an attempt to show favoritism to certain individuals or groups. While others believe it may simply be a way to test the technology on a smaller group before rolling it out to a wider audience.
Whatever the reason, the decision to only feed the “eldest son” in the 5G trial has raised concerns about fairness. nd equal access to technology. Some have argued that this approach could lead to a digital divide. Where certain groups or individuals have access to cutting-edge technology while others lag behind. This, in turn, could have far-reaching social and economic consequences, as those who fall behind may struggle to compete in a digital economy.
However, they may also be concerned about the wider implications of this approach. Especially if it causes a digital divide or customers believe they are being unfairly excluded from the trial.
It’s also worth noting that the 5G trial is just one aspect of Ncell’s wider business. The company provides a range of mobile phone services to customers across Nepal. Including voice and data services, as well as mobile money and other value-added services. While the 5G trial may be an important development for the company. It’s unlikely to have a significant impact on their overall business in the short term.
The regulator is feeding only ‘eldest son’ in 5G trial: Ncell
According to Vishal Upadhyay, chief information officer of Ncell Aziata, despite the fact that the 5G test is 6 months behind schedule, the regulator is only getting the ‘eldest son’.
Speaking at an event organized by the Technology Journalist Forum (TJF) in the capital on Thursday, Upadhyay mentioned that his company could not proceed with the process of 5G service as the regulatory body did not permit the 5G test.
“The 5G trial should have begun in July, but it appears indigestible that even if it is delayed for six months, I will feed only my eldest son,” he said, so I would like to sincerely request that if we applied for it, it be approved as soon as possible. The ‘younger son’ (Ansel) would also get to eat,” he said.
The regulatory body, Nepal Telecommunication Authority, has currently only permitted Nepal Telecom to test 5G. Under this, Telecom is working on internal tests, but it is slow.
Upadhyay indicated that the regulatory body did not give permission even after six months after Ncell asked for permission to test 5G.
He said that since Ncell is also a competitive company in the market. It is not appropriate to permit 5G testing to only one company.
“It doesn’t happen by just one company doing a trial. The problem comes to other operators too. ‘Technical issues’ may come to us too. But we also have experience in five other countries. Therefore, if permission is granted, we can work and show it at a certain time,” he said.