Global Regulatory Intelligence

The **Mobile Broadband Enhancement Plan: Nepal’s Road to 5G (2026)** outlines the strategic framework for Nepal’s transition to 5G technology, aiming to drive digital transformation and economic growth. ### Scope and Vision The plan aims to: * Expand access to robust LTE-Advanced/5G and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) networks, targeting an average user experience of 20 Mbps by 2028. * Achieve 5G coverage in all metropolitan and sub-metropolitan cities by 2030, with an average user experience of at least 100 Mbps. * Bridge the digital divide and foster the adoption of emerging technologies. ### Key Technical Requirements and Strategies The document identifies several critical requirements to facilitate the 5G rollout: * **Spectrum Management:** * Requirement for additional spectrum and efficient refarming of existing bands. * Planned auctions for 700 MHz (rural coverage), 2300/2600 MHz (4G expansion/upgrade), 3500 MHz (coverage/capacity balance), and 26 GHz (ultra-dense use cases). * Transitioning from band-wise to group-wise spectrum capping. * **Infrastructure Modernization:** * **Backhaul:** Enhancing fiber-optic and high-capacity microwave backhaul (e.g., E-band) to support increased throughput and low latency. * **Small Cells:** Deployment of micro, pico, and femto cells to improve spectral efficiency and indoor coverage in dense urban zones. * **FWA:** Implementation of FWA as a primary solution for last-mile connectivity in underserved and remote areas. * **Transition Framework:** * Phasing out 3G services by 2026 to optimize resources and spectrum use. * Mandating carrier aggregation to increase network capacity. * Adopting a hybrid network model where core infrastructure (fiber/backhaul) may be shared under open access principles, while RAN is deployed competitively. * **5G Deployment Architecture:** * Providing flexibility for operators to choose between Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) architectures. * Encouraging SA deployments for specialized verticals like smart cities, healthcare, and Industry 4.0. * **Security and Governance:** * Implementing a "privacy-by-design" framework. * Enforcing zero-trust architectures for 5G cores and conducting regular cybersecurity audits. * Establishing a Steering Committee to monitor progress and assess the status of mobile broadband enhancement.