How to get NTC eSIM? Find the process here

June 13, 2024

Nepal Telecom eSIM NTC Embedded SIM How To Get

Nepal Telecom Corporation (NTC) has finally launched the much-anticipated eSIM service in the country. This state-owned telecom giant has signed an agreement with a UK-based company to provide eSIM services to its customers. In this post, we will be discussing the key features of eSIM and its implementation and also discussing the process of how to get eSIM in Nepal.

Nepal Telecom (NTC) eSIM implementation:

What is an eSIM?

eSIM or Embedded SIM is a digital SIM that allows you to use cellular services from the telecom operator without having to use a physical SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card. That means, there’s no need to insert a physical card into the phone. Instead, the telco operator will remotely connect your device to their network and provide you with a mobile number and its services.

Also, the information on an eSIM is rewritable, meaning you can decide to change your operator with a simple phone call. This technology is backed by GSMA which has defined the standards for eSIM worldwide.

Advantages of eSIM:

Easier to switch network operator
Supports dual-SIM connectivity
Takes up less space than traditional SIM cards

Disadvantages of eSIM:

Switching between smartphones is tedious
Can be comparatively easier to track

eSIM compatible phones

Apple: iPhone XS, iPhone 11 Series, iPhone 12 Series, iPhone 13 Series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 15 series
Samsung: Galaxy S21 Series, Galaxy S22 Series, Galaxy S23 Series, Galaxy S24 Series, Galaxy Note 20 FE, Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5
Google: Pixel 4, Pixel 5, Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series

eSIM implementation by Nepal Telecom (NTC)

Nepal Telecom is the first carrier to allow eSIM connection in Nepal. The telecom operator allocated a budget for the project in the fiscal year 2078/79 to deploy its own eSIM platform. Similarly, NTC signed an arrangement with Monty UK Global Limited in April 2022 to provide an eSIM platform to the company.

NTC’s eSIM has now been available in Nepal from Bhadra 31, 2079 (September 16, 2022). The company had only allocated 50 units for distribution on the first day—that too from a single branch office (Sundhara). However, you can now get eSIM from all other Nepal Telecom counters outside the Kathmandu Valley as well.

How to know if my phone supports eSIM?

Okay, before you get in line to upgrade to an eSIM, it’s crucial to know whether your smartphone supports eSIM or not. The general rule of thumb is that if you have a relatively new flagship phone or table, then it might support eSIM. But to be really sure, simply dial “*#06#”.

If your device is indeed eSIM compatible, you should see an EID (Embedded Identification Document) value pop-up alongside the IMEI numbers. You can also get this info under the “Status Information” section (it might have a different name depending on your phone’s manufacturer) inside the Settings. Or, you can also check the phone’s product page to learn about its eSIM compatibility.

How to get NTC eSIM in Nepal?

All existing prepaid and postpaid customers of NTC are eligible for the eSIM upgrade at the cost of 50 rupees.
If you are looking to buy a new eSIM, it will bear the charge of a new physical SIM card; 90 rupees plus 50 rupees as an e-SIM conversion charge.
You can visit any NTC office near your home to get an eSIM.
All you need is to fill out a form, and then submit it with a photocopy of your citizenship (both sides) attached. That’s it.

An NT staff will then proceed to activate eSIM on your phone. The whole process takes like 3-5 minutes, provided that you’re already at the front of the queue. You will also receive a piece of paper with a QR code, ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card ID) number, and an activation code in case you want to switch phones. But in case you want to revert back to a physical SIM card, Nepal Telecom says you’re gonna have to visit their office yet again and fill out a form requesting so.

How to set up eSIM on your phone?

To set up an eSIM (whether you have an Android or iOS device), open up the Settings menu and search for “Add Mobile Plan” (Android) or “Add Cellular Plan” (iPhone).
This option might have a different name depending on the Android smartphone manufacturer, but you should find it under the “SIM Card Manager” menu inside Settings.
Now, you will get an option to scan a QR code with your eSIM profile. Just follow the on-screen instructions to customize the plan name if required. And voilà, your NTC eSIM is ready!

iPhone 14 / 15 series purchased from the US will work in Nepal?

Apple announced the iPhone 14 series with eSIM-only models for the US region and the trend was followed with the iPhone 15 Series as well. So users might be unsure whether US variants of the latest iPhones will work in Nepal. So, let’s talk about it here.

There are a few factors that influence the use of the latest iPhones in Nepal. First off, the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) has implemented its long-awaited Mobile Device Management System (MDMS) service from September 15, 2022.

So any smartphone brought into Nepal from foreign countries—including the US—will now be considered grey or illegally imported devices if they’re not registered under the system. And such devices will be effectively blocked from the network of all telecom operators in Nepal.

But the entire MDMS thing has kinda gone back and forth with so-called full implementations to website crashing and whatnot! However, to be on the safe side, your iPhone must be registered under MDMS to use an eSIM in Nepal.

Besides MDMS, the other important factor to consider when purchasing the latest iPhone from the US is cellular connectivity. As mentioned earlier, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 lineup in the US only supports eSIM. So to enable cellular connectivity on those devices here in Nepal, you will also require a telecom operator that provides an eSIM facility.

And since Nepal Telecom now offers eSIM to its customers, you will be able to use the iPhone 14 series without any trouble. Granted that you have registered the phone under MDMS, of course.

Some Frequently Asked Questions about NTC eSIM

How much do I have to pay for a NTC eSIM?

You’ll have to pay 50 rupees if you are converting from a physical SIM card to eSIM. If you are getting a new eSIM number, you’ll have to pay 140 rupees altogether.