10th September 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal Telecom (NTC) has announced a three-day offer of free internet data and voice calls to its customers to help them stay connected during the ongoing national crisis.
NTC Offers Free Services
Nepal Telecom (NTC) has announced a three-day offer of free internet data and voice calls to its customers to help them stay connected during the ongoing national crisis. The free services, which became active on Tuesday night, are meant to ease communication between families and relatives both within the country and abroad, as political unrest and curfews have made regular communication difficult.
Free Services and Activation Details
To access the free services, Nepal Telecom customers can use specific short codes: 14158*3# for data and 14158*7# for voice calls. The company, in a move to ensure broad awareness, has also sent SMS notifications to all its users with details about the offer. The free data service provides an internet connection with a speed of 1 Mbps, which, while not high-speed, is sufficient for messaging and basic browsing. The voice call service is limited to the Nepal Telecom (on-net) network, meaning calls are free only when made to other NTC numbers. The offer is valid for a period of three days from the time of activation, giving customers a short window to utilize the services.
The company’s spokesperson, Ravindra Manandhar, emphasized that this initiative is a reflection of NTC’s social responsibility as a state-owned telecom operator. It aims to provide a lifeline to citizens who are facing mobility restrictions and are anxious about the safety and well-being of their loved ones. By launching this program, NTC is playing a crucial role in maintaining social stability and supporting digital inclusion during this challenging time.
The Role of Telecom During a Crisis
The ongoing Gen-Z protest movement and subsequent government-imposed curfews have severely disrupted daily life in Nepal. With many families unable to physically reach each other, access to reliable communication services has become more critical than ever. The free services provided by Nepal Telecom address this urgent need, offering a vital means for people to stay in touch, share information, and coordinate with family members and friends. This initiative is particularly beneficial for students, families of protesters, and residents in rural areas where NTC’s network is often the only available source of connectivity.
Beyond just a gesture of goodwill, this move highlights the essential role of telecom operators as lifelines during emergencies. When other forms of infrastructure and services are compromised, the ability to communicate can be a matter of personal safety and security. Industry experts view this action as a trust-building measure that can enhance customer loyalty in the long term. By prioritizing the needs of its customers in a time of national distress, NTC demonstrates its commitment to serving the public and solidifies its reputation as a reliable and responsible service provider. The fact that the free services are also being offered while NTC offices have been vandalized by some protesters underscores the company’s focus on maintaining public service even when its own infrastructure is at risk.
Customer Reception and Future Implications
The announcement has been met with widespread gratitude from customers across the country. On social media, users have praised NTC for its timely and compassionate response. The initiative has been described as a huge relief for people who were worried about their communication balance during an uncertain period. This positive reception suggests that such corporate social responsibility initiatives can be highly effective in building a strong relationship with the customer base.
While the free service is only valid for three days, it sets a precedent for how Nepal’s largest telecom operator can respond during future crises. It serves as a reminder that in an increasingly interconnected world, reliable communication channels are not a luxury but an essential service for ensuring social coordination, safety, and peace of mind. The provision of free data and voice calls can help mitigate anxiety and reduce the sense of isolation that can accompany curfews and public unrest. By reaffirming its role as a lifeline for millions of Nepalis, Nepal Telecom is not only supporting its customers but also contributing to the nation’s resilience in the face of political and social challenges.
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