Basics
Nepal has two GSM mobile operators:
- Ncell (owned by TeliaSonera and soon Axiata)
- Nepal Telecom (state owned)
Smart Telecom is deploying a GSM network but has still to launch commercially, while United Telecom Limited (UTL) provides limited mobility CDMA-based services which is incompatible to GSM devices.
Given its mountainous territory, coverage can be very spotty and data extremely slow outside the Kathmandu valley.
To some prices below you need to add 13% tax for the final price.
Ncell
Nepal Ncell logo
Ncell has become market leader in Nepal and was renamed 2010 from Mero Mobile. In 2015/6 it was sold from Telia to Malaysian Axiata Group. Its 2G is on 900 and 1800 Mhz and reaches 90% of population, 3G is on 2100 Mhz in about 20 of the biggest towns. Ncell Coverage Map. Ncell is the better provider in the country, but there are still many areas uncovered and don't expect high speeds.
Availability
Ncell SIM cards are bought from a number of street stores, and require a passport photocopy (which the vendor will make) and a passport photo (which you bring). Some stores also take two thumbprints on the application form. Ncell Store Locators
The price for starter pack is Rs.99 with Rs.50 of credit and 60 domestic texts, 40 domestic minutes and 20 MB of data You can purchase top-up scratch cards from Rs.10. For top-ups over Rs. 100, you get 5-12% bonus on top. They have two tariff lines for prepaid called Sajilo and Ramro, which doesn't make a difference for data. Remaining balance check: USSD *101#, which shows your account balance.
Default tariff out of packages is Rs. 3 per MB, so better get a pack:
| Period | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | 6 MB | 6 Rs. |
| 18 MB | 12 Rs. | |
| 40 MB | 20 Rs. | |
| 7 days | 50 MB | 35 Rs. |
| 125 MB | 60 Rs. | |
| 250 MB | 110 Rs. | |
| 30 days | 1 GB | 550 Rs. |
| 2 GB | 850 Rs. | |
| 3 GB | 1150 Rs. |
NOTE: price listed, like ones listed in store, are exclusive of taxes, which is 13% plus. So for example to get a 1 GB data pack you actually need 699 * 1.13 = 789.87 Rs. credit to be able to activate it. Also strangely the recharge cards sold in shops (in amount of 50, 100, 200, 500 Rs.) don't give you the full amount, again due to some tax reasons, so you actually get something like 49.02 Rs. credit for the 50 Rs. recharge card.
Activating prepaid data by typing the USSD code *17123# and <call>. Once the volume in your data pack is over, the standard charge will apply unless you buy a new pack. To know the remaining data balance, dial *901#.
Alternatively, Ncell offers "unlimited" data packages, which will be throttled, when you have used up data:
- 1 GB for 30 days: Rs. 699
- 5 GB for 30 days: Rs. 1999
- 10 GB for 30 days: Rs. 2999
Activation is by *17123#. After using up data, speed will be throttled to 32 kbps or you can buy a new package anytime.
Data-only SIM
Ncell sells a data-only SIM in connection with a USB dongle called Ncell Connect. It's unclear, if you can get the SIM without the modem. The dongle is sold at 2699 Rs. with 500 MB data included. Default data is at 2 Rs. per MB, but the packages are the same as the "unlimited" packs above.
More Info
- APN: web
- Website: http://www.ncell.com.np
Nepal Telecom (NTC)
Nepal Telecom NTC logo
Nepal Telecom (NTC) is the state owned, national provider in Nepal. It has a monopoly on landlines and broadband, but competes with Ncell for mobile customers. NTC uses 900 Mhz for 2G and 2100 Mhz for 3G. Simultanously, it runs a CDMA network too. GSM-coverage is worse than Ncell and 3G is only available in in parts of Kathmandu and Pokhara so far: 3G Coverage List. Yet they asked for permission to deploy 4G/LTE in 2016.
Availability
Their prepaid card is called "Namaste" (Welcome). It is available in their stores and sales outlets for Rs. 200. It contains a welcome letter with SIM serial number, mobile phone number, PIN/PUK numbers and security cod, an User's Guide and the SIM card with Rs. 100 airtime.
Your "Namaste" account is instantly activated, when you make your first call. Either you can dial 1414 or any other number for the first call. Your first call will be diverted to Nepal Telecom Management Centre and you will hear voice prompt from our system. Along with the "Namaste" service information, you will be given the option of choosing the language (English or Nepali) at this time. Make choice according to your need. After the release of this call you can use the "Namaste" service.
Recharge cards are available in five denominations of Rs. 50, Rs. 100, Rs. 200, Rs.500 and Rs.1000 giving 60 days to 2 years validity.
Default data rate
NTC's default prepaid data rate is Rs. 0.10 per 100 KB, and it's always at this rate, which means that NTC doesn't sell any data bundles.
More Info
- APN: ntnet
- Website: http://www.ntc.net.np