Nepal Telecom, Ncell restoring services in flood-hit areas

Kathmandu, Sept. 9

Nepal Telecom and Ncell are expanding their service to the areas in Nuwakot and Rasuwa where telephone and internet network is severely disrupted by the floods.

Nepal Telecom has completed the first phase of network restoration in Rasuwagadhi, Betrawati and Trishuli areas. The fibre optic network was severely damaged by the floods on August 26.

According to the company, the flooding swept away two OLTs, one each in Rasuwagadhi and Betrawati, as well as five FDCs - one in Rasuwagadhi, one in Betrawati and three in Trishuli.

Around 128 kilometres of aerial optical fibre cable was also washed away, completely disrupting a total of 1,544 FTTH lines in the affected areas.

"Immediately after the disaster, Nepal Telecom mobilised technical personnel and resources and stepped-up repair work. So far, 1,093 of the affected lines have been restored, marking the completion of the first phase of service restoration," said the company.

The remaining lines will be brought back into operation gradually, based on the geographical and settlement conditions of the respective areas, technical feasibility and customer demand, the company said.

Likewise, Ncell is providing satellite connectivity in the hardest-hit areas of the Bhotekoshi Floods, supporting to stay connected when every call and message matters for rescue, relief and accessing critical information.

"Through this Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-powered connectivity solution from Eutelsat, Ncell is deploying devices at critical and essential locations identified in coordination with concerned government agencies involved in rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts," the company said in a statement. The solution provides satellite internet even when normal communication networks are down.

The facility will provide free connectivity at flood-affected communities, holding and relief centres, temporary camps, emergency response locations and other areas where terrestrial connectivity is unavailable or severely disrupted.

As of Tuesday, the solution had been installed at three crucial locations in Nuwakot and is being deployed in other flood-affected areas.

The satellite delivers the internet signal directly to a satellite-connected device on the ground. The device then provides Wi-Fi connectivity in the surrounding area, helping people stay connected when regular internet or mobile networks are unavailable.

Ncell has already acquired necessary approvals from the government agencies including the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) for this service.

“This will ensure the availability of satellite-powered internet services to support rescue and relief efforts and help affected communities stay connected during this difficult time,” said Dilli Ram Shrestha, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer of Ncell.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 10 September 2026.