Load Shedding Disrupts Mobile Services in Chitwan; Ncell Issues Alert via SMS

Kathmandu: Ongoing load shedding in Chitwan has begun affecting telecommunication services, with mobile operators warning users of potential disruptions. The Nepal Electricity Authority’s (NEA) Chanauli Distribution Center started scheduled load shedding twice a day in eastern Chitwan from Sunday. In response, telecom companies have begun notifying customers via SMS about possible service interruptions due to power outages.

Ncell, one of the major mobile service providers, has sent SMS alerts to users in the affected areas, stating that services may be impacted due to the electricity shortage. “We would like to inform you in advance that our telecommunication services may be affected due to disruptions in NEA's power supply, which may impact the operation of our mobile towers. We apologize for the possible inconvenience caused to our customers,” Ncell said in the message.

Across many parts of Nepal, mobile service providers rely on NEA’s power grid to run BTS (Base Transceiver Station) towers. While urban areas and densely populated zones typically have backup power systems in place, rural areas or locations with fewer users often lack sufficient backup. As a result, BTS towers in those areas fail to function during outages, severely affecting mobile service quality.

Mobile service works best when a device connects to the nearest BTS tower. When that tower loses power, the device connects to a more distant tower, leading to degraded voice, data, and SMS performance.

Meanwhile, many Nepali households now access broadband internet via fixed lines. However, routers stop working during power cuts unless the user has a backup power source. Those without such backups lose internet access and must rely on mobile data further increasing the load on mobile networks and affecting overall service quality.

The NEA has stated that the load shedding is necessary due to increased electricity demand for irrigation, driven by extreme heat and low rainfall during the planting season.

According to the Chanauli Distribution Center, the 33 kV double conductor line from the Bharatpur 132/33 kV substation has a maximum capacity of 300 amperes. However, electricity flow has surged to 450 amperes, surpassing its limit and forcing power cuts.

The NEA has said load shedding will occur in areas supplied by the Narayani-Madi, Meghauli-Vijaynagar-Shukranagar, and Jagatpur-Rampur feeders.

 

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: साउन ११, २०८२ १३:२६

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