Nepal WiMAX Project has finally shown up after 2 years of announcement from Nepal Telecom (read our earlier article: WiMAX in Nepal finally a reality – Nepal Telecom launches WiMAX.) As usual, Team TechSansar has prepared a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Nepal Telecom WiMAX with the help of academic experts, telco engineers, ICT Consultants, fellow bloggers and friends. If you have any queries about WiMAX Nepal by NTC, you can comment at the end of the page.
1. What is WiMAX and what is its context with Nepal Telecom?
Much talked, done little. As with other communication technologies, WiMAX ( IEEE 802.16) is one of the most talked communication technologies in Nepal Telecom‘s to-do-list of the F/Y 2069/70 BS. WiMAX is supposed to foster country’s economy after deployment of broadband in rural and remote areas (as was agreed upon.) WiMAX, a 4G wireless broadband access technology for data communication over a long distance, is a high-end competitor of another 4G technology LTE, which aims at providing broadband internet up to the maximum speed of 40 Mbps over mobile recipient and upto 1Gbps over stationary station.
2. Is WiMAX Cellular? Can WiMAX work in my mobile phone/ smartphone set?
3. What is the tariff of Internet packages for Nepal Telecom WiMAX?
The first round of broadband Internet package for WiMAX service is expected at around NRs 650 per 5 GB volume. This means NTC is going towards volume based package in WiMAX like in EVDO 1x 3G Package, which doesn’t fit the chemistry here. You bring a high speed internet (? we can’t still be sure if NTC’s WiMAX will really be fast enough to call it high speed, sorry about that) and charge consumer for package, it isn’t fair. NTA should take care of, and enforce NTC for unlimited package as in today’s ADSL but with improved and promised bandwidth.
Basic broadband package (256 Kbps) @ volume packages of 5 to 30 GB starting from Rs 650/month and SME package (512 Kbps) @ volume packages of 8 to 30 GB starting from Rs 850/month. Looks like NTC is just complying with broadband definition of Nepal ie 256 Kbps to refer to the basic package (could we expect more in here?) ~ data correct as of October 1, 2012
4. Can I make a phone/VoIP call after subscribing to WiMAX from NTC?
Well, a press release from Nepal Telecom in 2069/04/16 states like this:
IP Based प्रविधिमा आधारित Wireless (NGN), WiMAX, IP CDMA, Transmission Network जस्ता उपकरणहरु जडान गरी Voice, Data र Video सहितको गुणस्तरीय दूरसञ्चार सेवा उपलब्ध गराउने ।
This means the Next Generation Network of Wireless, WiMAX and IP CDMA Network shall all be based in IP funda, and so should basically provide IP-number based telephony system in addition to broadband Internet data package. However, we all know that NT don’t have IP based telephony system built as of now, it is hard to ensure that we could make a phone call after subscribing to WiMAX Service from NTC. Expect just an Internet package, atleast for a couple of year (by then things would be different.)
Since VoIP call within Nepal is illegal, we don’t expect any VoIP call subscription package but NTC can promote their VoIP calling package for the foreign countries called EasyPhone NTC VoBB SIP Phone. (Read: List of legal VoIP providers in Nepal)
5. How do user access Internet from WiMAX? What does WiMAX receiver or WiMAX USB Plug looks like?
So, by this time you must have known that the signal receiving technology in all, if not most, of the Wireless technologies is more or less the same. The WiMAX receiver or the receiver for WiMAX Wireless Broadband internetwork can either be standalone router like device, or the USB card which can be plug and play. Depending upon, how Nepal Telecom will authorize or sell the card – with UIM (similar to SIM for 2G and 3G technology) or without any modules but with network lock, devices will function. In many cases 3G USB dongle can work in receiving WiMAX signals, and even 4G LTE signals. All we have to do is wait and see, what Nepal Telecom WiMAX Project has to offer to us.
The cost of USB dongle is about Rs 3,000. And luckily, it is already available in many gadget shops in New Road. If you aren’t sure about one, go for Spirint (the USA one, which could hardly be found) if not Chinese WiMAX USB dongle or receiver.
Read: How to connect to internet using 3G EVDO Devices in NTC Service?
6. What are the differences between LTE vs WiMAX vs WiFi technologies? Do Nepal have all of them?
LTE and WiMAX are 4G (tele)communication technologies. LTE 4G voice and data networks are not yet deployed in Nepal, WiMAX 4G WAN data network was approved by MoIC back in 2010, WiFi is merely a Wireless LAN with variable range which you can observe from a wireless network as small as in homes to as large as one by Wireless ISPs around the country.
Check this head to head comparison of LTE vs WiMAX vs WiFi technologies.
7. How does Nepal Telcom WiMAX Work?
Not exactly in depth piece of pie in here. However, here is the borrowed description of how Nepal Telecom WiMAX works from How Stuffs Work, and the same applies to other WiMAX technologies around the world.
- WiMAX tower is similar in concept to a cell-phone tower. A single WiMAX tower can provide coverage to a very large area as big as 3,000 square miles (~8,000 square km)
- WiMAX receiver – The receiver and antenna could be a small box or PCMCIA card, or they could be built into a laptop the way Wi-Fi access in today.
8. What is the Technical details/Specs of WiMAX by Nepal Telecom?
Not much has been release to the public about details technical specifications of the WiMAX by NTC, but we would like to share the best from our knowledge and reports.
- WiMAX IEEE 802.16 frequency spectrum : 2.3 GHz
- Worked out cell coverage : 10 sq. km
9. I see something is not going morale with WiMAX in Kathmandu Valley. Isn’t NTC Cheating with the country, they were suppose to test and deploy WiMAX in rural area first and then extend service back to the cities/towns?
Hats off you true Nepalese friend. You catcha!
This is absolutely true that when WiMAX license (read the next question to learn about WiMAX license in Nepal, you have been warned don’t get surprised!) was given to NT by the Authority, NT was supposed to deploy WiMAX first at rural or remote area, which is a general trend in developing economies and which is the first criteria ITU approve for rural broadband. However, you can see the initiation. Just imagine taking WiMAX from Kathmandu to Jumla, can you trust NT in this? Shouldn’t they be doing it the reverse (and if NT has question here, it was all technically and technologically viable and feasible to get started from Jumla, but the will power.)
We shall be posting some surprising evidence of this here soon!
10. Was WiMAX license ever auctioned in Nepal? When was WiMAX approved in Nepal?
Still scratching our heads, btw we have asked this question to the authority for confirmation. Let’s wait a couple of days, oops a couple of weeks.
We heard that there was no frequency auction made (as usual) but NTC was offered for free, and private ISPs/Companies are yet to be distributed the frequency.
11. Why NT only? Why not other private ISPs or other companies for the WiMAX? Has NT the sole authority if yes where did it came from?
Gosh! You making it very difficult to answer. Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has provided WiMAX frequency spectrum to Nepal Telcom (NT) for free. Right now Nepal telecom is the sole provider of WiMAX service in Nepal since they were the first to launch it. Private ISPs or other companies are still waiting for WiMAX frequency spectrum allocation (auction?) to them.
12. I heard that LTE is going to dominate 4G Cellular industry. Is the decision of Nepal Telecom to bring WiMAX in the country really best for the nation both in terms of technology and the national benifits?
13. What might other private ISPs (or even NTC) might bring in value added with the WiMAX service to foster economy in the rural Nepal?
Very interesting, and very promising when broadband is available in rural Nepal. When the WiMAX service is available in whole of Nepal (let’s focus in the rural and remote Nepal, atleast the cities have Internet), it might foster the economy – from agriculture to education to telemedicine to poverity reduction by use of ICT4D. The private/public operators can operate VoIP calls including video conferencing (wish they could legalize in-country calls as well, if not merge the traditional numbering system with the IP calls), telebanking to good governance practices.
All of the above questions were asked by TechSansar’s users, directly from the site and the social platforms. You can ask more questions by commenting below.
When I first read about WiMAX in a paper, it said the speed will be 24mbps… now it says its 256 kbps… 256 kbps is available right now in ntc adsl, broadlink, classictech and others… so, what’s the differece? is it just the difference in the design of the technology but not in the speed of the internet?
24 Mbps is totally illogical for WiMAX; maybe the paper was referring to total mobile bandwidth from the transmitting station.
The broadband in Nepal is defined for internet speed of 256Kbps, hence NTC WiMAX’s basic package to address the word “broadband”.
Yes, the difference is in technology rather than in design. WiMAX is a 4G data network, thousand times coverage distance than the WiFi one.
so, what’s the advantage of getting WiMAX when we can get the speed of more than 256 kbps through other services?
It’s not like that precisely. The basic package starts at 256K and can go to upto 20Meg rate if NTC wants, but WiMAX has potential in many fields other than WiFi ones which we are getting in Ktm now. Please, read our earlier article for more clarification: http://techsansar.com/internetworking/wimax-nepal-finally-nepal-telecom-launches-wimax-5279/
When I first read about WiMAX in a paper, it said the speed will be 24mbps… now it says its 256 kbps… 256 kbps is available right now in ntc adsl, broadlink, classictech and others… so, what’s the differece? is it just the difference in the design of the technology but not in the speed of the internet?
24 Mbps is totally illogical for WiMAX; maybe the paper was referring to total mobile bandwidth from the transmitting station.
The broadband in Nepal is defined for internet speed of 256Kbps, hence NTC WiMAX’s basic package to address the word “broadband”.
Yes, the difference is in technology rather than in design. WiMAX is a 4G data network, thousand times coverage distance than the WiFi one.
so, what’s the advantage of getting WiMAX when we can get the speed of more than 256 kbps through other services?
It’s not like that precisely. The basic package starts at 256K and can go to upto 20Meg rate if NTC wants, but WiMAX has potential in many fields other than WiFi ones which we are getting in Ktm now. Please, read our earlier article for more clarification: http://techsansar.com/internetworking/wimax-nepal-finally-nepal-telecom-launches-wimax-5279/
i think no one would run after 650/-s 5 gb data.instead adsl unlimited 1000/- 1 month.
sorry not interested.
i think no one would run after 650/-s 5 gb data.instead adsl unlimited 1000/- 1 month.
sorry not interested.
When does this service will be available to normal user in Kathmandu?
When does this service will be available to normal user in Kathmandu?
Can we buy the USB dongol ourselves . U told we can use the sprintvobe . I have got it can I use it.
Can we buy the USB dongol ourselves . U told we can use the sprintvobe . I have got it can I use it.
Can we buy the USB dongol ourselves . U told we can use the sprint one . I have got it can I use it.
Can we buy the USB dongol ourselves . U told we can use the sprint one . I have got it can I use it.
Agree. But you need to verify whether your Sprint USB WiMAX dongol’s MAC address is registered with the NTC’s WiMAX Subscribed devices.
Holy god, what’s wrong with this thing called NTA. Surviving with mere 256Kbps and calling it a 4G WiMAX broadband, are they making us nuts? Why do Nepal government keeps on putting the country backward on Internet broadband market?
Holy god, what’s wrong with this thing called NTA. Surviving with mere 256Kbps and calling it a 4G WiMAX broadband, are they making us nuts? Why do Nepal government keeps on putting the country backward on Internet broadband market?
Hello sir/madam
Can u plz tell me if d receiver which ntc provides hv wifi router facility or we hv to buy an new wifi router.
Hello sir/madam
Can u plz tell me if d receiver which ntc provides hv wifi router facility or we hv to buy an new wifi router.
NTC provides 3 different WiMAX receivers, namely
1. ODU – out door unit which requires a separate WiFi router to throw the useful signals
2. IDU – in door unit which has inbuilt transmitter and receiver both; also usually have LAN ports
3. USB receiver – which works perfect near the WiMAX towers and powers via USB port of computers
Of these, signal strength wise ODU is the best, and by portability USB receiver is the best.
For ntc outdoor cpe do we have to buy any particular wifi router adsl type or simple wifi router. Or we can buy any wifi router like of tp link, d link or asus. In case we dnt want to use router provided wid wimax outdoor cpe
For NTC Outdoor CPE of WiMAX, transmitter part can be any kind of router as long as it have input type LAN/Ethernet (which is connected with the ODU). Most ADSL routers (which have Ethernet/DSL port as input) do work. I have used TPlink, Dlink and Asus RT 66 AC routers and they work perfectly.
Thank u for d reply n ur experience sharing. Can u suggest which wifi router will be best for good range network.
I’ve not seen anything as good as Asus RT-AC66u (range detected upto 170 meters even in the dense town) – and I’m using it currently. Another one is Ubiquiti UniFi. However, if cost is the factor, Belkin and Dlink home routers are also good one.
hello sir
how to check how much data plan is left in new YMax device??
hello sir
how to check how much data plan is left in new YMax device??
I’m looking for wimax wifi router for my home..how can I get.what the package.and what is tha cost.can I know plz…
I’m looking for wimax wifi router for my home..how can I get.what the package.and what is tha cost.can I know plz…
What is the price of dongle. And where can I find it???
What is the price of dongle. And where can I find it???
devices is not detect from my laptop
devices is not detect from my laptop
But with other technologies WiMAX have been almost failed, May be Nepal Telecom is also struggling to uplift it, https://www.telecomkhabar.com/nt-wimax-where-did-nepal-telecom-failed/
But with other technologies WiMAX have been almost failed, May be Nepal Telecom is also struggling to uplift it, https://www.telecomkhabar.com/nt-wimax-where-did-nepal-telecom-failed/