Kathmandu: Ncell is set to completely shut down its 3G services across the country with the aim of improving telecommunications service quality, expanding network capacity, and effectively utilizing modern technology. Following the extensive expansion of its 4G services, the company will gradually phase out its 3G network starting this Mangsir and completely shut down 3G services nationwide by the first week of Poush.

According to Ncell, its 4G service has already reached approximately 95 percent of the country's population. Only around 3 percent of active customers are still using 3G services. However, despite the nationwide expansion of 4G services, company data shows that more than 420,000 customers still have old 3G SIM cards.

Ncell has stated that it is shutting down 3G services as part of its strategy to replace outdated technology and maximize the utilization of available network capacity and frequency resources. The company believes this will allow available network resources to be focused on improving 4G service quality, enhancing capacity, and expanding modern telecommunications technology.

3G Services to Be Shut Down at 992 Out of 3,139 Towers
Ncell has been proceeding with the shutdown of 3G services at its towers across the country in various phases. According to the company, services have already been completely shut down at 992 out of approximately 3,139 3G towers nationwide.

The company plans to shut down services at an additional approximately 2,150 3G towers starting from the first week of Mangsir. Under this plan, 3G services will be discontinued first in Lumbini and Gandaki provinces. The process will then move forward in Bagmati Province, followed by Madhesh, Koshi, and various locations in other provinces.According to Ncell's plan, 3G services will be completely shut down across the country by the first week of Poush.

Basic Communication Services to Continue Despite 3G Shutdown
Ncell has clarified that customers will not be deprived of basic communication facilities following the shutdown of 3G services. Customers using older mobile handsets that cannot support 4G services will still be able to use basic voice calls and SMS services through the 2G network.

The company has stated that basic communication services will continue to be available, particularly to ensure that citizens in remote areas and economically disadvantaged communities are not excluded from digital access.However, Ncell has urged customers who have 4G-compatible mobile handsets but are still using old 3G SIM cards to replace their SIM cards.

Free 4G SIM Cards Along with 2GB Data
Ncell has announced that it will provide free 4G SIM cards to customers currently using old SIM cards. Customers replacing their SIM cards will also receive 2GB of mobile data free of charge, valid for seven days.The company has stated that customers will be able to enjoy high-quality mobile internet services through 4G SIM cards.

Similarly, Ncell has been encouraging the use of Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, which enables voice calls over its 4G network. With VoLTE, customers can make faster, clearer, and higher-quality voice calls while simultaneously using mobile data.

Focus on Network Improvement and Quality Services
Ncell has stated that phasing out 3G technology will enable more effective utilization of available network frequencies and resources. By reallocating resources previously required to operate outdated technology toward expanding modern network capacity and improving service quality, the company expects customers to receive more efficient telecommunications services.

Along with the expansion of 4G services, Ncell has set goals to further strengthen its network, improve mobile internet quality, and provide customers with communication facilities based on modern technology.

With 4G services already accessible nationwide, Ncell considers the phase-out of 3G technology an important step toward network modernization. The company has urged customers to replace their SIM cards with 4G SIMs in a timely manner and use VoLTE services.

With the end of the 3G era, Ncell has stated that it will focus on transforming its network with modern technology while improving service quality, network capacity, and customer experience.