15pc of Ncell stations to have solar back up by end of 2013

KATHMANDU, SEP 19 -The Ncell company has announced that it will have 15 percent of its total base stations backed up by solar power by the end of 2013. The company has been giving priority to ‘going green’ by building the solar based stations, sighting both power cuts and environmental impact for the switch.

Normally, investment for solar based stations is substantially higher compared to traditional, electrical grid powered base stations. “Ideally, it would be better if we had an uninterrupted electricity supply. But, when that’s not happening, we would rather switch to solar than diesel generators,” said Sanju Koirala, corporate communication director of the telecommunication giant.

While the company is heavily focused on expanding, they are still committed to customers receiving quality service while being in harmony with the environment. For any mobile company, building a network is a monumental task, but ensuring the system is up and running requires an ongoing commitment.

Multiple avenues have been implemented for customer care, such as contact centres, front offices, dealers support, Ncell shop support, e-care, corporate and channel sales, and emails. The customers can have any concerns addressed through these channels, according to the company.  The Ncell company has 80 percent of its total sites backed up by optical fiber and microwaves to ensure quality is delivered, irrespective of any disturbances. It has been running 3G sites with satellite connection, and installed the highest 3G site in the world; at the 5,171 metre high Everest Base Camp.


“We will continue to enhance our capacity and network coverage, so that customers can enjoy an increasingly faster 3G service, and more people can access mobile services,” said Koirala. Currently, the Ncell 2G and 3G network covers 90 percent of the population. Its 3G services are available in almost all cities and urban centers of Nepal, and the company is further expanding its network, focusing more on 3G.

As per Korala, the energy crisis, prolonged power cuts, permission issues, difficulties importing equipment, intermittent demands from house owners and communities, weather and geographical issues are the major challenges faced by the country’s telecom industry.