KATHMANDU: Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has endorsed a working guideline on the use of 5G mobile internet, paving the way for the service providers looking to carry out test operation of the advanced service in the segment.

The 5G is a fifth-generation mobile technology that provides an ultrafast peak data speed of 1 Gbps. Having a high mobile broadband speed, the system allows downloading an Ultra HD movie within a few seconds and ensures high reliability in internet service.

With the new rule in place, all the telecommunications service providing companies can now apply at the NTA to carry out testing of 5G services. Last March, the government allowed the state-owned Nepal Telecom (NT) only to test the advanced internet service that is expanding globally.

According to the NTA, it will be providing the frequencies free of cost to the applicant telecommunications companies for the testing period of a maximum of one year. The interested companies to operate the service can apply with their detailed work plans that include the testing modality, location, frequency requirements and timeline of network installation and operations.

Similarly, the companies cannot charge any fee from their possible clients during the testing period. They have to cover both the rural and urban areas to carry out the testing of 5G service.

Nepal currently has 4G networks that were established in January 2017. As of last March, the 4G service has reached all 77 districts in the country, covering 654 local units, or 85 percent of the population, according to the NT. Around 75 percent of the population uses devices that are 4G supportive.