Report on communication in remote Nepal

Title page

                          REPORT

DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEM IN REMOTE AREAS OF
NEPAL

Submitted to:
The Secretary
Ministry of Communication and Information Technology
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu

Submitted by:
Er. Bishal Thapa
Telecommunications Engineer

15 December 2026

Abstract

Communication is a basic need for development, but many remote areas of Nepal, particularly in the hills and mountains of Karnali and Sudurpashchim, still lack reliable telephone and internet services. This report reviews the present state of communication in five remote districts (Humla, Mugu, Jumla, Dolpa and Bajhang) and suggests a plan for development. A field survey of 20 villages shows that only 35 percent of households have a working mobile signal and fewer than 10 percent have internet. The main problems are difficult geography, lack of electricity, high cost and low population density. The report recommends solar-powered towers, community Wi-Fi, satellite links, fibre along new roads, and support from the Rural Telecommunication Development Fund.

Introduction

Good communication helps health services, schools, markets and emergency response. In remote areas, a message sometimes takes days to arrive on foot. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of connectivity prevented students from taking online classes. The government has policies to bring telecom services to everyone, but progress in difficult areas is slow. This report aims to identify the present situation and the barriers, and to propose workable solutions. It is limited to five districts and to the last five years.

Findings

1. Mobile coverage: only 35 percent of households have a signal, and calls are often interrupted.
2. Internet: speeds are mostly at 2G level, and fewer than 10 percent of homes use data.
3. Power: many towers stop working when the electricity is cut off, and diesel supply is costly.
4. Maintenance: technicians have to walk for 2-3 days to reach some towers.
5. Cost: devices and data are expensive compared with incomes.
6. Skills: few people can use smartphones or online services.

Proposed development plan

1. Install 40 solar-powered mobile towers in uncovered villages using the Rural Telecommunication Development Fund.
2. Lay optical fibre along new roads and connect the district headquarters.
3. Set up a community information centre with Wi-Fi, computers and a trained local operator in each ward.
4. Use VSAT or low-earth-orbit satellite internet for the most remote villages.
5. Start community radio stations for local information and disaster warnings.
6. Train local technicians for repair and maintenance.
7. Provide low-cost phones and data packages to the poor.

Time and cost

The plan can be carried out in three years at an estimated cost of Rs. 85 crore, mainly from public funds, with contributions from the service providers.

Conclusion and recommendations

Communication is a right and a driver of development. If the plan is carried out, 90 percent of households can have basic connectivity within three years. We recommend that the Ministry approve the plan, issue licences with incentives, and ask the service providers to share infrastructure.