Nepal Telecom, the state-owned telecommunications leader, has showcased its continued financial strength and strategic role in Nepal’s digital economy with robust performance for the fiscal year 2081/82.
During its 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Poush 30, 2082 (January 14, 2026) at Rastriya Sabha Griha, Kathmandu, the company reported a total revenue of NPR 38.19 billion and a net profit of NPR 6 billion. While revenue dipped slightly due to global shifts in voice traffic, Nepal Telecom maintained steady profitability.
Major Contributions and Dividend Approval
A significant highlight of the AGM was Nepal Telecom’s contribution of NPR 18.46 billion to the national exchequer through taxes, fees, and other statutory payments, underscoring its position as one of Nepal’s top taxpayers.
Shareholders representing 91.56% of issued shares unanimously approved the annual report, audited financial statements, and cash flow details. They also endorsed a cash dividend of NPR 30 per share, reflecting the company’s stable earnings despite competition from OTT platforms like WhatsApp and Viber.
Infrastructure and 4G Expansion
Nepal Telecom has accelerated infrastructure development under the Digital Nepal Framework. By Ashwin 2082 (mid-October 2025), 4G LTE services reached 749 local levels across all 77 districts, covering over 98% of local administrative units.
During the year, the company added 143 new 2G stations and 109 new 4G stations. As of early 2026, Nepal Telecom operates:
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4,542 2G towers for basic voice connectivity in remote areas
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2,994 3G towers supporting legacy data services
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4,437 4G towers forming the backbone of modern mobile internet
Additionally, the NT Fiber (FTTH) service expanded nationwide, and the optical fiber network now stretches 8,834 kilometers along major highways and district headquarters.
Looking Ahead: 5G Rollout
Chairperson Radhika Aryal announced that Nepal Telecom is preparing for a commercial 5G rollout in Standalone (SA) mode, independent of 4G infrastructure. Initial deployment will focus on Kathmandu and Pokhara, with plans to expand to other major urban centers. This move aims to meet growing demand for high-speed data and support smart city and digital applications.
Aryal emphasized that while profitability is crucial, the company continues to prioritize service delivery in remote and underserved areas where private sector expansion remains limited.
