According to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, 2.25 million new users were connected to the Internet in 2017, translating into approximately 250 new Internet users every hour. Rapid penetration of Internet in Nepal is being driven by: ● ● ● Increasing popularity of social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) and online communication platforms (e.g., WhatsApp and IMO) Growing mobile connections and smartphone penetration Increasing use cases in areas such as entertainment (e.g., YouTube), music streaming, and ecommerce 2.25 million new 250 new Internet Teenagers and youth Internet users added in 2017 users per hour are key power user segments With the surge in mobile Internet usage, Nepal is expected to surpass the mobile Internet penetration rate of countries such as India and China. Source: International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Mobile operators in Nepal are increasing investments in infrastructure to meet the growing demand for data services. Leading mobile operators are focusing on rolling out 4G services since its launch in early 2017, with 60% of cities in Nepal projected to receive access in the next to two to three years. 4G Telecom Providers 4G Network and Coverage Investment 2017–2018 Nepal Telecom 50% share in Nepalese mobile market in 2018 Launched: Jan 1, 2017 Current Coverage 2 Cities (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhatapur and Pokhara) ZTE, Huawei and Mavenir to invest US$15.36 million, US$38 million and US$21 million respectively to provide LTE core network service to Nepal Telecom NCELL 46% share in Nepalese mobile market in 2018 Launched: Jun 1, 2017 Current Coverage: 21 Cities Aims to provide 4G services in 40 cities by 2018 Investment of more than US$460 million for the technology transfer and infrastructure. Smart Telecom 4% share in Nepalese mobile market in 2018 Lunched: Nov 1, 2017 Coverage: 4 cities (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhatapur and Pokhara) US$110 million investment (80% investment through FDI from Kazakhstan) 4G Customers: 39, 155 (June 2018) 15