Nepal Telecom is ready to launch 4G services as soon as it receives permission from regulator the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA).
The operator's managing director Buddhi Prasad Acharya told a parliamentary development commission earlier this week that it has applied to commence services and is eagerly awaiting a response, the Kathmandu Post reported.
Nepal Telecom plans to offer 4G services in major cities where there is an addressable market, upgrade its 3G network across its mobile footprint and switch off 2G services.
But efforts to improve service quality have been held back due to difficulties importing equipment due to the alleged imposition of an [undeclared blockade on Nepal] by India, with most of its imported equipment stuck at customs offices.
The state-owned Nepal Telecom needs to be able to compete with private players, but is unable to procure equipment as fast as they can, Acharya told the committee.