Internet Providers in Nepal
Asia-Pacific — Ranked #87 globally for broadband speed
Nepal has a developing internet market with significant geographic challenges. The Himalayas and rugged terrain make infrastructure deployment expensive and difficult. Kathmandu Valley has reasonable connectivity, including growing fiber coverage, while remote mountain and hill districts rely on satellite or mobile. Nepal's connectivity is improving through competitive pricing, fiber rollout in urban areas, and expanding 4G networks.
Broadband Overview — Nepal
| Nepal Internet Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Population | 29,192,480 |
| Internet Users | 16,800,000 (57.5% penetration) |
| Broadband Household Coverage | 28.0% of households |
| FTTH / Fibre Penetration | 6.0% of fixed broadband |
| Mobile Subscriptions | 132 per 100 people |
| Avg. Monthly Cost (broadband) | ~USD $12 |
| Regulatory Body | Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) |
| Global Speed Rank | #87 (Ookla fixed broadband index) |
Broadband Infrastructure
Nepal's market is served by Nepal Telecom (state-owned), Ncell (Axiata), and several ISPs including Worldlink and Vianet for fixed fiber. International connectivity is via terrestrial links through India. Nepal has no sea coast and no submarine cable access, making India a critical transit country for all international internet traffic.
Key Facts
- ✓ All of Nepal's international internet traffic transits through India — creating a single point of dependency.
- ✓ Worldlink is one of South Asia's most innovative ISPs, deploying fiber aggressively in Kathmandu.
- ✓ Starlink received approval to operate in Nepal in 2023, helping remote mountain communities.
- ✓ Kathmandu Valley has competitive fiber ISPs offering gigabit plans.
- ✓ Nepal blocked TikTok in November 2023 due to concerns about social impacts.
Internet Freedom in Nepal
- ● Nepal blocked TikTok in November 2023 due to concerns about social harmony
- ● The NTA can order website blocks — adult and gambling sites have been blocked
- ● There is no systematic political content filtering
- ● Freedom of expression is constitutionally protected
- ● Some online journalists have faced harassment and defamation suits
ISP Speed Comparison — Nepal
Benchmark speeds based on Speedtest.now methodology. Actual speeds vary by location and plan.
| Provider | Technology | Download | Upload | Ping | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ncell | LTE | Mbps | Mbps | ms | View → |
| Nepal Telecom | FTTH, LTE | Mbps | Mbps | ms | View → |
| Worldlink | FTTH | Mbps | Mbps | ms | View → |
All Providers in Nepal
How to Choose an ISP in Nepal
1. Check Coverage
Not all ISPs serve all addresses. Enter your postcode or address on each ISP's website to confirm availability before ordering.
2. Match Speed to Use
Streaming HD requires 10 Mbps per screen. Working from home with video calls needs 25 Mbps minimum. Gaming and 4K streaming benefit from 100+ Mbps.
3. Compare Contracts
Check whether the ISP locks you into a 12 or 24-month contract. Rolling monthly deals offer flexibility but may cost more. Watch for setup fees.
4. Run a Speed Test
After signing up, run a speed test to verify you're getting the speeds you paid for. Test at different times of day.
Frequently Asked Questions — Nepal Broadband
Who are the main ISPs in Nepal?
For fixed broadband: Worldlink, Vianet, Nepal Telecom, and CG Net. For mobile: Ncell and Nepal Telecom.
Is internet censored in Nepal?
Mostly no, but Nepal blocked TikTok in 2023. The government can order website blocks through the NTA.
How fast is internet in Nepal?
Kathmandu has competitive fiber ISPs with speeds up to 1 Gbps. Rural areas are significantly slower, relying on mobile or satellite.