Nepalese Technology Navigator
Long ago, we were collecting free Wi-Fi internet accessing services in and around Kathmandu followed by recent list of entertainment and food stalls providing free (if not paid) Wi-Fi access in their premises (article here). And also in an another recent post, we did a coverage of Wireless Internet Service Providers (Wi-Fi dedicated ISPs) in Nepal. In this article, we try to cover or review Broadlink communication‘s WiFi services in questions and answers form.
Ncell, the first private mobile operator and currently the largest ISP of Nepal, has recently launched its branded Wi-Fi router which allows upto eight users to access its 3G Internet connectivity. Ncell has again become successful in introducing a new technology in the Nepalese market, previosly they had launched their own push and plug (USB) internet data cards named Ncell connect – similar to the one sold/used by UTL.
Ncell Connect Wi-Fi Router
All Ncell’s devices (this Wi-Fi router and data cards) are branded and locked to their network. This means you can’t use Ncell’s data card with other network’s SIM/UIM cards. Ncell is a step a head in this front as well, and has become successful to penetrate the market inspite of its expensive data rate. Ncell offers Internet speed at up to 3.6 Mbps (download) via Ncell connect.
Ncell’s Wi-Fi router is priced high at NRs 6,999 plus taxes and can be purchased at Ncell centers in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Does this mean this service is limited to these two cities only? The device works with any Connect SIM with existing tarrif plan.
So, what is the Wi-Fi Router?
Wi-Fi router is a small, pocket-size portable hardware device, similar to an ADSL (modem) router through which one can access internet – here 3G internet of Ncell. (Read article: time for pocket router)
What is the price and range of Ncell Wi-Fi Router?
The price is NRs 6,999+ taxes and the claimed range is 30 meters which is enough to be used indoors but less than one provided by today’s IEEE 8022.11 N technology-based routers/modems.
What is the backup time of Ncell Wi-Fi Router?
The company claims Ncell Wi-Fi router comes with 4 hours of battery life enabling subscribe to use internet during loadshedding. One need to recharge the Wi-Fi router’s battery after the backup time has finished.
What is the difference between hardware Wi-Fi router and software Wi-Fi router?
This is a good question for all tech enthusiasts. Ncell’s Wi-Fi router is obviously a hardware one. But today there are many software based Wi-Fi routers, commonly known as virtual routers, which can be used to create wireless home networking (read our article about this). Connectify and Microsoft Virtual Router are two most frequently used virtual Wi-Fi creating software applications. Using both Ncell’s Wi-Fi router and these software based virtual routers, one can connect to many (for Ncell limited to 8 ) users simultaneously formaing a wireless home networks (would be costly for Ncell’s network). The price of software- based virtual Wi-Fi router is NULL, unless you buy Connectify Pro.
I already have Ncell Connect data card and want to connect internet to my iPhone (smart phones having Wi-Fi). Do I need to purchase Ncell Wi-Fi router for this?
Obviously, NOT. You can use existing Ncell connect to surf internet in your computer (laptop) and use virtual routers (as answered in the previous question) to link the internet to you Wi-Fi enabled smart phone. (Read: how to create your own hotspot for free)
We welcome more queries. Happy surfing. (Ncell WiFi Router image taken from Ncell page)
Ncell, the first private mobile operator in Nepal, has become the largest ISP (Internet Service Provider) of Nepal after becoming the largest GSM-based telecom operator with 1.9 million subscribers. This large user base subscribers makes Ncell the largest ISP, but still not in terms of infrastructures. [Read more...]
Glad that we are developing in broadband arena, even tho’ our connection speed is not yet satisfactory. We are happy to hear the news of launch of IP CDMA by Nepal Telecom recently. Based on user’s questions on TechSansar’s Facebook page and Twitter, we have compiled frequently asked questions (FAQs) about IP CDMA broadband service in Nepal by Nepal Telecom.
Nepal Telecom (NT) is finally all set to deploy IP CDMA broadband service by December 2011 which was announced back to 2009. The target is to reach broadband to another 2 million (20 lakhs) and more customers in suburb n rural areas. Using this service NT customers would enjoy 3G facilities based on EVDO technology – that means high quality of voice and data services. But NT has not clarified if this is the beginning step of the 4G telephony service in Nepal because IP CDMA could be distributed to customers with a fixed IP like a cell phone number and customers can make voice calls directly from IP to IP, or use data services as per their requirement.
