Nepal Telecom starts 5G trial in Pokhara and Birgunj

Kathmandu / May 6: Nepal Telecom has started 5G test in Pokhara and Birgunj after Kathmandu. The government initially planned to conduct tests in four cities including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Birganj and Biratnagar. However, due to American pressure on the use of Chinese technology in 5G, Nepal Telecom has not been able to speed up the testing process.

Nepal Telecom, which is testing 5G in Babarmahal and Sundhara areas in Kathmandu, has now started the testing process in Pokhara and Birgunj. Telecom spokesperson Shobhan Adhikari said that Telecom is testing 5G by connecting the necessary infrastructure and technology to one tower each in its offices in Pokhara and Birganj.

According to him, Telecom is preparing to start 5G test in the remaining four provinces after Kathmandu (Bagmati), Pokhara (Gandaki) and Birganj (Madhesh Province).

“We have not received the import license to bring the goods to start the 5G test in Koshi, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. It has not been approved till yesterday. It may come soon,” said the official. “Till now, it has not been decided in which place 5G will be tested. However, we have begun the testing phase from the telecom office itself. 5G will be installed in the office structure (tower).”

Nepal Telecom said that it will expand 5G commercially only after the test is successful. In mobile technology, 5G is a new high-quality system with many features.

Initially, Telecom had planned to soft launch the 5G trial from January 1 (on the occasion of English New Year. However after the test did not start on that date, it was said to be done on the occasion of its anniversary on February 5. Telecom officials have been stating that as the 5G compatible set was not enough, the test which was supposed to start from January 1.