High speed Internet on top of the world

Ncell bring 3G high speed communication to Mount Everest area.

Ncell has successfully launched 3G services in the Mount Everest area. By the end of 2011 Ncell will provide mobile coverage to over 90 percent of the people in Nepal.

“Today we are very proud to announce the world’s highest mobile data service as we launch 3G services in the Mount Everest area in the Khumbu valley. This achievement is as mighty as the altitude as 3G high speed internet will bring faster, more affordable telecommunication services to the people living in the Khumbu Valley, trekkers, and climbers alike”, says Lars Nyberg, President and CEO of TeliaSonera, the majority owner of Ncell, spice Nepal Pvt. ltd.

Located at an altitude of 5,200 meter the highest 3G base station surfing the web, sending video clips and e-mails, as well as to call friends and family back at far cheaper rates than the average satellite phone. Everest base camp just came a little closer.

3G grows subscriber base

Through the expanding 3G network, Ncell will also provide affordable services to the entire population of Nepal. Mobile penetration is still low, but rapidly rising. This trend is being driven largely by investments TeliaSonera and others are making in modern telecom infrastructure. When TeliaSonera entered Nepal in 2008, mobile penetration was around 15 percent, and by the end of the third quarter this year it was already over 30 percent. Ncell already boasts 3.7 million subscribers and the advent of the 3G network is expected to boost this subscriber base.

At a press conference held today in Kathmandu, Lars Nyberg, President and CEO, Tero Kivisaari, President of Business Area Eurasia and Pasi Koistinen, CEO of Ncell, also unveiled plans for future TeliaSonera investments in Nepal.

TeliaSonera has decided to increase the pace of investment for 2011 and spend over 100 Million USD. This will ensure mobile coverage to over 90% of the population with affordable telecom services that contribute to the economic and social development of the country, as well as 3G coverage in all major cities and other densely populated areas.  At the end of 2010 Ncell will cover all 75