Nepal to refarm 900MHz band for newer technologies

Nepal’s regulator the National Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has confirmed plans to refarm the 900MHz spectrum band for 4G use.

The band is currently used for 2G services, and is in active use by Ncell, Nepal Telecom (NT) and Smart Telecom. Additionally, TeleGeography reports that the inactive wireline operators Nepal Satellite Telecom (NST) and United Telecom Limited (UTL) also occupy unused frequencies in the band.

The NTA recently designated the 900MHz band as technology-neutral, allowing its use for 2G, 3G and 4G services. Nepalitelecom.com reports that the regulator is planning to provide each of the nation’s operators with a contiguous block of 900MHz spectrum, boosting their ability to offer 4G and – in the future – 5G services.

In June, number two player Ncell was granted a technology-neutral 2×1.6MHz holding of residual 900MHz spectrum, for which it paid NPR124.4 million (USD1.03 million).

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