4G Service Expanded in Remote Regions Including Tilicho, Darchula and Bajhang

The expansion of fourth-generation (4G) mobile network services in Nepal’s remote regions has brought significant relief to local communities and travelers. Under the initiative and active leadership of Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel, Nepal Telecom has extended mobile voice and data services to several rural and mountainous areas where communication was limited or non-existent.

The service began for the first time at Tilicho Base Camp in Manang on October 17 (Asoj 31), a major milestone welcomed by both local people and visiting trekkers. Minister Kharel said that expanding telecom access to difficult and remote regions has been a major priority since he assumed office. “The government aims to provide voice and data services to remote parts of the country. The launch of 4G around the Tilicho region is part of that mission, and it will greatly support locals and tourists,” he stated.

Following the expansion in Tilicho, 4G service was also launched in Tallokot of Bajhang district from October 16, where a BTS tower has been installed at Bungadanda in Ward 4. Telecom engineer Tilak Dhami confirmed that service has already started in Wards 1 and 4, with Jayaprithvi Municipality also expected to get connected soon. Local leader Gorkha Bahadur Jethara said the service has made emergency communication, business, and family contact much easier.

In Darchula district, Nepal Telecom introduced both 2G and 4G services in Marma Rural Municipality–5, after installing an additional telecom tower. Telecom chief Krishna Bahadur Gurung said people previously had to struggle for network access in hilly terrain, but now voice and data communication has become much smoother. Additional towers are also under construction in Lekam and Malikarjun rural municipalities, expected to go live soon.

Similarly, 4G service has also been launched in Dipayal Silgadhi of Doti district. In Barekot of Jajarkot, telecom services that had been disrupted by lightning have recently resumed after complaints reached the ministry. Minister Kharel took immediate steps to restore communication by coordinating with the telecom authority.

Nepal Telecom’s Karnali Provincial Directorate shared that communication access is gradually expanding across the province, with 4G and FiberNet services already available in 37 local units. Soon, Chingad in Surkhet and Hilsa near the Nepal–China border in Humla will also be connected to 4G.

To ensure uninterrupted communication service nationwide, the ministry has asked the public to report any network outages to Nepal Telecom at 1498, Ncell at 9005, or through the ministry’s WhatsApp number 9851410101.

According to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, mobile broadband now covers 91.55% of the population, while 4G service has reached 88.68%. Nepal Telecom holds a 55.96% mobile broadband market share, with Ncell covering 44.04%.

Minister Kharel emphasized that telecom connectivity is essential for digital governance, e-commerce, online education, telemedicine, and disaster preparedness. “We are committed to reducing the digital divide by reaching every citizen with mobile and internet access,” he said. He added that the government is prioritizing telecom expansion in Karnali, Sudurpaschim and Madhes provinces.

The ministry is also promoting digital transformation, digital economy, and youth engagement in modern technology sectors by consulting IT experts and launching nationwide digital development programs.