Nepal Telecom to shut down 3G network within next fiscal year

Last Updated on July 7, 2026

Summary✨

Nepal Telecom (NTC) plans to completely shut down its Ntc 3G network within the next fiscal year, urging users to switch to 4G.

Users with older 3G SIMs must upgrade to USIM to access 4G services, and the conversion is free.

NTC has already started turning off 3G base stations and will complete the shutdown in fiscal year 2083/84.

The shutdown affects users with 3G devices and SIMs, leaving them only with 2G services after 3G is discontinued.

Upgrading to a 4G SIM and phone offers benefits like faster data, HD voice, and digital services, supporting NTC’s focus on expanding 4G and 5G.

Nepal’s leading telecom operator, Nepal Telecom (NTC) has announced to switch off 3G network completely within next fiscal year (2083/84). The company has officially requested users to switch to the 4G network. Before, the company has urged existing 3G users to convert to 4G for a fast, stable, and reliable connection. So, Ntc 3G will go off from next fiscal year.

The company says that it has already started shutting 3G base stations in a cluster. Works are underway to expand its 4G network so that more users can be accommodated. Before NTC has already started shutting down 2G in the 1800 MHz band. Now, it’s gearing up to discontinue 3G to migrate its users to 4G technology. ✅ 3G vs 4G network; which one to choose?

Regarding Ntc 3G shutdown, earlier there was a notice encouraging users to move to 4G by using 4G SIM and activating 4G on it. Although new SIM cards are 4G by default, older SIM cards (> 10 years) need to upgrade to USIM for 4G, and some activation also required. For such old SIMs, Ntc has requested users to visit the nearest office with either a citizenship, or national ID card, or passport, or driving license, or any government distributed card to verify their details and convert to a 4G SIM. It also says that the 4G conversion is free.

You should also learn the process to activate 4G by dialing *444#, press 1 and press 2 for activating VoLTE.

Ntc also sent SMS to 3G users encouraging them to upgrade to 4G. The message read, “As per the network upgradation plan, 3G service may be interrupted in the near future, and your current SIM does not support 4G. Please visit the nearest Nepal Telecom counter to replace it with a new SIM for free and experience faster internet with high-quality voice calls.”

It’s worth noting that Ncell has started 3G shutdown, in more areas, leaving Ntc to follow suit. As of writing this article on March 20, 2026, Ncell has phased out its 3G services in Jhapa, Dhankuta, and Tehrathum and has shut down in more areas from Asar 22, 2083. It seems it will take more time to complete the 3G shut down probably within 2026.

✔️Why should you prefer 4G network?

Ntc to complete 3G shutdown within 2083/84

As per Nepal Telecom’s Spokesperson Kamal Lamichchane, almost all telecom operators are retiring 3G network. Following the same trend, Nepal Telecom is also preparing to completely sunset 3G network in the fiscal year 2083/84.

As per him, Nepal Telecom has already begun turning off some of the 3000 3G BTS towers currently providing 3G services. He also added that a pilot cluster has been selected in Chitwan district to test the 3G shutdown. Based on the results from the pilot cluster, the company will proceed with the nationwide 3G shutdown.

After the discontinuation of 3G service, users can migrate to 4G. While 2G seems sufficient for legacy voice calls, users who require high speed data and better call quality can switch to 4G along with VoLTE.

Nepal Telecom currently provides 3G using 2100 MHz band, which can be turned off completely with the sunset. Similarly, Ntc 4G has already reached to 750 local levels with more expansion on the way.

Who will be affected with 3G shutdown?

When Ntc starts shutting down 3G, it will affect users with the following conditions:

Users with 3G phones/gadgets

Users with 3G SIM

SIM and devices with up to 3G support won’t connect to 4G, so users will be left with 2G services only. And worse, the company may also discontinue 2G entirely in the next few years. Telcos worldwide have started sunsetting 2G, 3G and in few years, there will be no 2G, 3G network in most part of the world. Now, in developed countries, they only use 4G and 5G, which enables the operator to focus on 4G/5G expansion and speed improvement. So, it will make the telcos efficient and less burdensome after shutting down 2G, 3G. 🚩Which network (2G or 3G) will shut down first in Nepal?

But the fact is that not many people use feature phones these days. Or at least, it’s possible that people carry more than one phone, with one being a smartphone with 4G support. Most smartphones these days come with 4G support anyway.

But the elderly who have phones with legacy networks only will be barred from services if NT phases out both legacy networks entirely. Once a device can’t connect to the cellular network, it can only connect to WiFi (if supported) for communication services.

⏩ How to Check 4G and 5G Band Support on Your Smartphone?

Advantages of using an NTC 4G SIM and phone

Using a 4G SIM and phone comes with all sorts of benefits a cellular company has to offer. These include:

Extensive coverage

Much faster data

Faster call setup and voice

HD voice through NTC VoLTE

Supports NTC VoWiFi (WiFi Calling) services

Helps with digital life, online payment, social media consumption, posting content, etc.

Will also support the 5G network in Nepal

Allows the telco to use resources on 4G for improved services

Besides, the company brings many packs and offers which may turn out to be useful for 4G users with 4G phones. For e.g., data packs with unlimited internet leverage the faster data speed of a 4G network. It enables users to fully benefit from Ntc’s carrier-aggregated 4G for faster data services.

According to the latest NTA report, Ntc has around 7 lakh 3G users while boasting over 1.45 crore 4G users across Nepal.

In essence, Ntc’s plan to shut down 3G heralds a new evolution in the state-run company. It is currently focusing on the 5G launch and the expansion of 4G across all local levels. Therefore, forsaking the old-generation network will be the right step going forward for the company’s ambitious future.

➤➤➤How to check Ntc, Ncell number owner name & transfer

Will Ntc’s 3G shutdown affect you? You can share with us in the comments section below and also leave your suggestions for the company regarding this and its other services.