June 7, Kathmandu – Telecom companies in Nepal have initiated the process of discontinuing their 3G services. Nepal Telecom and Ncell have planned to gradually shut down 3G networks and upgrade to 4G services. According to Nepal Telecom spokesperson Kamal Lamichhane, the 3G phase-out is being executed through a geography-based ‘cluster’ system. Committees under the Wireless Service Directorate have been formed to oversee this process. Among approximately 3,000 towers nationwide, Nepal Telecom is working to remove 3G services from around 2,960 sites. So far, 3G has already been deactivated at about 40 sites. Currently, work is ongoing in one cluster in Chitwan, and after successful completion, there are plans to completely discontinue 3G services across the country in a phased manner within the upcoming fiscal year, Lamichhane stated.
Lamichhane further explained that voice calls are available via VoLTE regardless of whether the network is 3G, 2G, or 4G. However, the quality of data services is significantly better on 4G, which is why many countries worldwide are prioritizing 4G and 5G networks by phasing out 3G and 2G. Nepal Telecom is following this global trend. Lamichhane emphasized that the decommissioning of 3G services is being carried out carefully to ensure users do not experience inconvenience.
Currently, about 600,000 customers are using 3G services with Nepal Telecom. These customers are being gradually migrated to 4G, with free SIM card replacement services available without changing the number. “If anyone requests a SIM replacement, it can be done free of charge,” Lamichhane said. “We are also running awareness campaigns targeted at 3G users through internal messages.” Customers can visit their nearest Nepal Telecom office with identification documents such as citizenship certificate, national ID card, passport, driver’s license, or other government-issued ID to request SIM replacement.
Ncell has also discontinued 3G service at over 226 towers across 13 districts in five provinces since June 7. According to Ncell, 3G has been discontinued in various localities including Triyuga, Chaudandi, Belka, Katari in Koshi Province; Khandbari, Chainpur, Dharma Devi in Sankhuwasabha; Pakhribas and Sangurigadhi in Dhankuta; and Temkemyu in Bhojpur, among others. Ncell’s Network Head, Lena Keshari Kansakar, stated that the decision to discontinue 3G was made to adopt new technologies and continuously improve service quality.
“The goal is to fully discontinue 3G services within the first quarter of 2027,” she said. Despite the 3G shutdown, customers will still be able to access high-quality voice services through 2G and 4G networks. Ncell is also preparing to launch new technologies such as 5G in the near future.
