Internet connectivity has become an essential part of an individual’s life after the Covid 19 pandemic when everybody had to work from home. Families needed faster and improved speed as many members were using the same connection simultaneously. Developed countries did not have a problem as they had provisions for 5G services, but it was a problem for the developing countries as it required huge amounts of funds to install it. Finally, in March, Nepal saw an opportunity to test its 5G services so that it could be provided to the people. The Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has evolved a procedure through which they completed the requirements needed for 5G servers and are waiting for its assessment.
The country is set to start the 5G experiment in the urban areas of Biratnagar, Birgunj, Kathmandu, and Pokhara, as indicated by the country’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MOCIT). NTA is asking service providers to start their testing by giving their application, and they will be required to follow the terms and conditions laid down by the NTA. Now, this application requires various details such as insights concerning test methodology, data about new connections, site and frequency depiction needed for the test use, proposed administrations and its procedure, timetable to install servers and activity, and the activity plan.
NTA has asked the companies to install their hardware and software equipment and all the other requirements needed for the trial. The service operator will provide free frequency for a maximum of one year, and NTA also stated that it would not charge the service recipients. A network must be worked with the establishment of required equipment and programming. Along these lines, it requires finishing the import of vital gear and hardware in 90 days after the endorsement with NTA. The agreement can be canceled if the work is not done within the time period.
While looking at the generation of 5G, the urban areas and the rural areas must be covered. During the pandemic, it became very difficult for the people living in the rural areas of Nepal to get internet connectivity. But in January 2021, broadband was accessible to these areas, and hence, the scope of connectivity is on the rise.
NTA also permitted the re-use of the equipment for the 4G trials in different areas. If the same equipment is not being used, then a proper notification should be given to the authority to sell it. Nepal is hustling to become the first country in South Asia to offer a very quick network. The 5G innovation standard for data servers offers quicker connections, higher throughput, and more limit than 4G, and will profit high traffic spaces.
With all the advanced work processes, it has been noted that the testing for 5G services is on pause due to the political imbalance. Along with this, the frequency for the trial has not been decided, and therefore Nepal Telecom was unable to start its assessment even after their application was passed. As soon as the NTA gets the frequency, it will be all set to provide services to the companies.
Harsh Mahaseth is a Lecturer and Ph.D. Candidate at Jindal Global Law School, and a Research Analyst at the Nehginpao Kipgen Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University. He is currently a Fellow at Kathmandu Tribune.
Vanshika Agrawal is a second-year B.A (Hons.) Legal Studies student at Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India.
