Internet in Nepal

By Saurav, Published on Sep 06, 2018 , Last updated on Oct 30, 2024

Internet in Nepal is mostly reliable and okay by South Asian Standard. Most of the cities and towns have cable broadband. Internet through fiber optics is only available in Kathmandu Valley for now providing speed upto 50 Mbps. Internet in the rural areas is mostly wireless (Wi-Max) and the installation can cost you a lot. Mobile internet (3G) is also reliable and fast but expensive. Internet speeds in Nepal are now great (depending on ISP used), whereas in the past it was dismal (during the 2000’s). For example, WorldLink offers 50mb lines for less than $50 USD per month, and that includes free NetTV (which is also pretty good). Other ISPs offer more affordable packages with lower (but decent speeds) for home users. Then there is NCELL with 4G service for cell devices, which is also excellent.

Although in 2011 only about 9.0% percent of Nepal population used the Internet, use of the Internet in Nepal is growing rapidly. The total percentage of internet user as of 2017 is a out 54%. This figure too increased in 2018. The no of internet users in Nepal has increased rapidly in the last year. According to TKP, Nepal adds 2.25 million internet users in the last year. The competition between major telecom operators encouraged them to provide cellular coverage to different parts of the country. The cellular/ mobile coverage is one of the main driver of this internet connectivity and usage. As per the TKP data, around 95.62 percent of people live within the coverage area of mobile tower.

Other drivers for increment in internet users include the inexpensive cellular phone and availability of different browsers, applications. The number of internet users in Nepal is growing very fast. Considering the latest data, the internet penetration in Nepal has reached a whopping 63%. And as more people are starting to use the services like Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Online Games, E-class, etc, many are installing internet. However, Nepal still doesn’t have good internet service. The Internet connection you choose can have a major impact on your productivity as well. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the time to invest in thoroughly exploring all the options. As a result, we often wind up making a hasty, less than ideal choice.

The Internet Service Providers’ Association of Nepal (ISPAN) is a nonprofit organization committed to advocate and support a healthy Internet industry in the country. ISPAN believes an open, competitive marketplace for Internet access and services benefits the Internet service industry and the people it serves.

This is a list of internet service providers in Nepal