Nepal Telecom Extends WiMAX Coverage to All 75 Districts
Key Takeaways
- Nepal Telecom now provides WiMAX internet in all 75 districts of Nepal
- Service reaches remote areas lacking fiber optics due to terrain and infrastructure
- WiMAX faces challenges of higher price and lower speeds versus fiber options
Nepal Telecom has successfully expanded its WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) internet services to cover all 75 districts in the country. This milestone was reached after the recent activation of services in Humla, completing the nationwide rollout. The company announced that every district is now connected through this wireless broadband technology.
Launched in Nepal on March 27, 2013, WiMAX was designed to deliver affordable broadband access. However, since its introduction, customer adoption has remained low due to relatively high pricing and slower data speeds when compared to fiber optic connections. Fiber optics, while cheaper and faster, are limited to major cities and towns. In contrast, WiMAX fills a critical gap in regions where fiber and other broadband services have not yet been deployed.
Nepal's challenging terrain and limited road infrastructure have historically hindered internet expansion in rural areas. WiMAX's reach now enables residents of isolated communities to access the internet for the first time, potentially transforming local lives and societal development. This universal coverage marks a significant step toward connecting the entire nation.
