NT’s new WiMAX service to offer 27Mbps connection

State-owned Nepal Telecom (NT) is launching wireless broadband services based on WiMAX technology on 9 November, and is promising customers connection speeds of up to 27Mbps. The carrier has signed a USD10 million contract with a US vendor for the supply of new equipment and is now ready to go live next month. It is understood the incumbent will offer a 5GB internet download package for NPR650 (USD7.92) a month, or 30GB of downloads for NPR2,700. NT is currently deploying WiMAX infrastructure in 46 location in Kathmandu Valley and its environs in the launch phase, following which it plans to extend coverage to Bhairahawa, Pokhara and village development committees (VDCs) in the immediate surrounding areas in phase two. Telecom Tiger adds that under phase one, NT is covering 1,923 VDCs in 24 areas in western Nepal, while the second stage will encompass 2,092 VDCs and 34 regions in the east of the Kingdom. The telco’s new WiMAX offer will have a minimum symmetrical connection of 256kbps, and will be further supported by the installation of up to 1,500 hotspots in urban areas of the country.