Fixed Internet More Expensive Than Mobile Data in Nepal

Kathmandu: A newly released international report shows that fixed broadband internet in Nepal remains expensive and largely inaccessible to the general public. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the monthly cost of fixed broadband in Nepal amounts to 7.2% of an average Nepali’s per capita income, nearly three times higher than the global average.

The findings are part of the ITU’s report “Measuring Digital Development: Facts and Figures,” which analyzes the digital landscape of landlocked developing countries. While the global average cost for fixed broadband is just 2.7% of per capita income, Nepal’s significantly higher rate has contributed to growing digital inequality.

The United Nations Broadband Commission recommends that internet costs remain below 2% of per capita income. Nepal has met this target for mobile internet services, which stand at exactly 2%. However, the cost of fixed broadband is 3.5 times higher than the global benchmark.

For mobile data, the ITU uses a package benchmark of 2GB per month over 3G or higher technology. Nepal has met this target, whereas many landlocked countries have not. Mobile broadband subscriptions in Nepal are also relatively strong, with 94.5 subscriptions per 100 people, almost equal to the global average of 94.6. This is largely attributed to widespread mobile network coverage: 90% of the population has access to 3G, and 88% has access to 4G.

While mobile data supports basic internet use, fixed broadband is considered essential for high-demand activities like online education, professional work, large file transfers, e-commerce, and digital innovation.

However, fixed broadband remains a major weak point for Nepal. The country has only 4.8 fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people, well below the global average of 19.6. The high cost is cited as the primary barrier, limiting access to high-speed, quality internet to a small segment of the population.

The report also highlights Nepal’s lack of progress in next-generation connectivity. While global 5G coverage has reached 51.2%, Nepal has yet to make meaningful advances in 5G deployment.

 

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: साउन १६, २०८२ ११:४४

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