Nepal’s Telecom Industry Is Entering A New Growth Phase, Says George Nl, Vp – Retail Business At Subisu

Nepal’s telecom industry is entering a new phase of growth, supported by expanding fibre broadband adoption, improving digital infrastructure and growing opportunities around artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G, according to George NL, Vice President – Retail Business at Subisu Ltd.

Speaking during an exclusive TelecomTalk LIVE intreaction, George said Nepal’s broadband sector has evolved rapidly over the last few years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated demand for reliable home internet. He noted that Nepal now has one of the highest broadband speed indices in South Asia, while household broadband penetration has also grown significantly.

Broadband Demand Continues to Evolve

George said consumer expectations have changed considerably in recent years. According to him, broadband users who earlier preferred 50 Mbps connections are now increasingly opting for 300 Mbps to 600 Mbps plans. He believes future competition will extend beyond speed and pricing, with customer experience and internet security becoming key differentiators for broadband providers.

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He also highlighted that Nepal’s broadband market remains highly competitive, with more than 60 internet service providers currently operating in the country. At the same time, he expects industry consolidation over the coming years as smaller operators face increasing competitive pressure.

Fibre Expected to Remain Central

Discussing connectivity technologies, George said fibre broadband is expected to remain the primary connectivity solution across Nepal, while Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) could play a complementary role in locations where fibre deployment remains difficult due to challenging terrain.

He noted that Nepal’s geography makes nationwide fibre deployment difficult, but wireless technologies can help extend connectivity to areas where laying fibre is not immediately practical. According to him, both technologies are likely to coexist as network expansion continues.

5G Holds Significant Potential

On Nepal’s 5G journey, George said commercial deployment is still awaited despite trials having started earlier. He believes 5G can create opportunities across sectors including tourism, agriculture, healthcare, education and manufacturing once commercial services are introduced.

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He added that smartphone readiness is improving and customers are prepared for next-generation mobile services, while regulatory clarity will play an important role in the next stage of Nepal’s telecom evolution.

AI and Digital Infrastructure

George also sees AI becoming increasingly important for telecom operators. He said AI can support network planning, predictive maintenance, customer experience improvement and fraud detection. He noted that local AI initiatives are beginning to emerge in Nepal, while abundant electricity could support future investments in AI infrastructure and data centres.

Optimistic About Nepal’s Future

Looking ahead, George said he believes Nepal’s telecom industry is entering a growth phase after years of gradual development. He expects improving digital infrastructure, closer India-Nepal cooperation and continued investment to create new opportunities for both businesses and consumers over the coming years.

He also encouraged young professionals to consider opportunities within Nepal’s telecom industry, saying the country offers strong long-term potential as its digital ecosystem continues to evolve.