The mobile market in Nepal continues to grow at a moderately strong rate in a relatively mature market, although growth began to taper off by 2015, according to R&M.
Market penetration increased from 82% in 2014 to 97% 2015 and 100% in 2016. Moderate growth is predicted to continue over the next five years, with the market predicted to grow to reach over 110% by 2021.
Over the years, efforts to expand the telecom sector in Nepal have met with many challenges. Nepal's mountainous topography has made it extremely difficult to develop its telecommunications infrastructure. Furthermore, Nepal had been struggling under an adverse economic situation caused largely by political instability.
Fixed broadband penetration in Nepal continues to increase slowly from a very small base. Penetration increased from 0.8 in 2012 to 0.9% in 2014 and 1.2% in 2016. Fixed broadband penetration is predicted to grow from 1.2 % in 2016 to reach at least 3.0% by 2021. Mobile broadband in Nepal continues to grow strongly from a relatively small base. Penetration has increased from 17% to 2014 to 21% in 2015 and 25% in 2016.
