Nepal's Telecom Industry Is Entering a New Growth Phase, Says George NL, VP Retail Business at Subisu

Highlights

Nepal's telecom industry is entering a new growth phase, with fibre broadband, AI and future 5G expected to drive the next wave of digital transformation, according to George NL.
Broadband competition in Nepal is shifting beyond speed, with customer experience and internet security emerging as the next key differentiators for operators.
George sees significant long-term opportunities for Nepal's telecom sector through digital infrastructure expansion, AI adoption and stronger India–Nepal technology collaboration.

Live

Hardik Jagda

CEO Proximity

AI is becoming central to modern sports broadcasting

Andrew Bonwick

Vice President of Product Development at Relm Insurance

How insurance and risk models are evolving to support satellite connectivity

Madhav Sheth

CEO of Ai+ Smartphone

Bold attempt to design smartphones specifically for Indian consumers.

Stephen Rose

CEO Render Networks

Why execution in the trenches may be the real key to AI readiness

Nepal’s Telecom Industry Is Entering a New Growth Phase, Says George NL, VP – Retail Business at Subisu

Nepal’s telecom industry is entering a new phase of growth, supported by expanding fibre broadband adoption, improving digital infrastructure and growing opportunities around artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G, according to George NL, Vice President – Retail Business at Subisu Ltd.

Make Telecom Talk My Trusted Source

Key Highlights

Nepal's telecom sector is entering a new phase of growth, according to George NL of Subisu.
Fibre broadband continues to drive digital connectivity across Nepal.
Consumer demand is shifting from higher speeds to better customer experience and internet security.
AI is expected to play a growing role in telecom operations, customer experience and network management.
George believes 5G can create new opportunities across tourism, healthcare, agriculture and education.
Nepal's digital infrastructure is evolving with growing interest in AI and data centre investments.
India and Nepal have opportunities to strengthen cooperation in digital connectivity and telecom.

Speaking during an exclusive TelecomTalk LIVE intreaction, George said Nepal’s broadband sector has evolved rapidly over the last few years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated demand for reliable home internet. He noted that Nepal now has one of the highest broadband speed indices in South Asia, while household broadband penetration has also grown significantly.

Broadband Demand Continues to Evolve

George said consumer expectations have changed considerably in recent years. According to him, broadband users who earlier preferred 50 Mbps connections are now increasingly opting for 300 Mbps to 600 Mbps plans. He believes future competition will extend beyond speed and pricing, with customer experience and internet security becoming key differentiators for broadband providers.

Also Read: Nepal Telecom Expands 4G Network to Annapurna and Machhapuchhre Base Camps: Report

He also highlighted that Nepal’s broadband market remains highly competitive, with more than 60 internet service providers currently operating in the country. At the same time, he expects industry consolidation over the coming years as smaller operators face increasing competitive pressure.

Fibre Expected to Remain Central

Discussing connectivity technologies, George said fibre broadband is expected to remain the primary connectivity solution across Nepal, while Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) could play a complementary role in locations where fibre deployment remains difficult due to challenging terrain.

He noted that Nepal’s geography makes nationwide fibre deployment difficult, but wireless technologies can help extend connectivity to areas where laying fibre is not immediately practical. According to him, both technologies are likely to coexist as network expansion continues.

5G Holds Significant Potential

On Nepal’s 5G journey, George said commercial deployment is still awaited despite trials having started earlier. He believes 5G can create opportunities across sectors including tourism, agriculture, healthcare, education and manufacturing once commercial services are introduced.

Also Read: Yotta Partners With BLC to Build Supercloud Data Center in Nepal

He added that smartphone readiness is improving and customers are prepared for next-generation mobile services, while regulatory clarity will play an important role in the next stage of Nepal’s telecom evolution.

AI and Digital Infrastructure

George also sees AI becoming increasingly important for telecom operators. He said AI can support network planning, predictive maintenance, customer experience improvement and fraud detection. He noted that local AI initiatives are beginning to emerge in Nepal, while abundant electricity could support future investments in AI infrastructure and data centres.

Optimistic About Nepal’s Future

Looking ahead, George said he believes Nepal’s telecom industry is entering a growth phase after years of gradual development. He expects improving digital infrastructure, closer India-Nepal cooperation and continued investment to create new opportunities for both businesses and consumers over the coming years.

He also encouraged young professionals to consider opportunities within Nepal’s telecom industry, saying the country offers strong long-term potential as its digital ecosystem continues to evolve.

Every article you read here is the result of time, research, and effort. If you feel it adds value, you can support TelecomTalk.