Best Internet Service Providers (ISP) in Nepal 2023 [Updated]

Best Internet Service Providers in Nepal 2023
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In this article, I’ll be talking about the best internet service providers (ISPs) in Nepal. But please allow me to make a proper introduction first.

The internet has become an integral part of our modern-day life. So much so, that even the UN says internet access is a human right. From business requirements to personal entertainment to just basic digital socialization, our dependence on the web has rendered our lives into interconnected bliss; though I’d imagine many don’t share the same belief.

And with growing infrastructure, affordability, & subsequent accessibility, the total number of people connected to the web will only go uphill.

According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), global internet users grew by 10% during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is by far the largest year-on-year increase in the last decade. With this, 63% out of 7.8 billion people are now connected to the internet.

Internet usage growth trampled in Nepal by the price hikes

Unfortunately, while internet usage has grown over the years in Nepal as well, its cost remains a big issue. In a country like ours where the GDP per capita is just a little over a thousand USD, the government decided to levy an additional 13% Telecommunications Service Charge (TSC) on top of the 13% VAT and 4% royalty fees.

As a result, a 2021 report from the A4AI (Alliance 4 Affordable Internet) places Nepal in the 37th position (among 72 low and middle-income countries); which is not that great. Then there’s the dilemma of selecting the correct ISP for you.

Recent speed war

It all began when CG Net debuted with 120Mbps internet plans for residential users. This compelled other ISPs to offer more competitive plans. Today, it’s normal for Nepali ISPs to promise bandwidth higher than 100Mbps, which was not the case a year ago. ISPs like ClassicTech and Worldlink even offer 1Gbps internet plans to residential users.

Taking a different route, a brand new ISP WiFi Nepal has emerged with low-bandwidth plans with an affordable price tag. However, we are yet to test it for ourselves.

It’s not uncommon for ISPs in Nepal to come up with mouth-watering plans only for it to dismiss other crucial aspects like speed consistency, service level, support, and customer satisfaction. Most of them are not even transparent about their FUP policy.

Disclaimer: The “perfect” ISP is a myth

But before you go on scratching your head questioning the absolute best ISP in Nepal, let me tell you one thing: there isn’t one. What I mean is that there isn’t one objectively correct answer to the question “which is the best ISP in Nepal?” It mostly boils down to where you’re located. An ISP may have excellent service & positive customer references in one area and that may not reciprocate to other regions.

So, be sure to consult your neighbors on their internet subscription (if possible) before making your decision. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at our list of some of the best Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nepal.

One more thing (I know I’ve already dragged the intro but please bear with me here), We’re listing out internet plans from different ISPs for home/residential customers; and all the prices are exclusive of VAT. Also, though the internet plans of these ISPs may have the “unlimited” label suffixed to them, all of these have FUP restrictions. However, each company’s FUP policy is different.

Best Internet Service Providers (ISP) in Nepal:

1. Worldlink

According to the latest Management Information System (MIS) report by the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA), Worldlink (FTTH) alone has a user base of more than 752,573. This makes it the largest ISP and the third-largest telecommunications firm in Nepal.

It marked 25 years of service back in 2020. The journey began with the introduction of the e-mail service in 1995, and the company has accomplished a lot in these years.

Worldlink signed a $12 million contract with the UK’s CDC Group in October 2019 to expand the company’s facilities and operation in rural parts of Nepal.

Furthermore, in partnership with Facebook, Worldlink provides free Wi-Fi and “my Worldlink” Wi-Fi (exclusive to Worldlink users) in over 10,000 locations throughout Nepal. Currently, there are over 14,000 of these Wi-Fi hotspots across Nepal.

Moreover, the organization intends to extend the operation to 30,000 locations. It currently offers network coverage in 73 districts, including the most remote areas of Karnali.

Worldlink - Best internet service providers Nepal ISP

Worldlink currently offers residential fiber internet plans with up to 300Gbps of bandwidth. You get 1 year of internet connection, and an option to expand the coverage area with Mesh Wi-Fi. Other than this, the ISP also introduced a ‘PUBG Gamer’s Pack’ for those battle royale action lovers. The package is available in two internet speeds: 250Mbps and 300Mbps while costing the same as the regular residential plans.

None of these packages come bundled with a NetTV standard connection. So, you have to purchase it separately as an add-on package.

NETTV (12 months) Rental Deposit Channel Charge Total
Primary Rs. 1,000 Rs. 1,000 Rs. 2,654 Rs. 4,654
Secondary Rs. 2,000 Rs. 1,000 Rs. 2,654 Rs. 5,654
Third Rs. 2,000 Rs. 1,000 Rs. 2,654 Rs. 5,654

myWorldlink App

Apart from that, the “myWorldlink” app is useful for tracking internet usage, reporting problems, changing Wi-Fi passwords, and so on. With the latest update, the app now has a troubleshooting feature as well. 

Other than this, every plan also comes with the following features:

  • 2रुन्तै: Worldlink promises to solve your internet-related issue within two hours. If not, users will get two days of internet for free. 
  • SafeNet: To monitor the usage and filter, block out any malicious contents on the web
  • Time Back: Compensation against interrupted service due to internet outage or other reasons
  • WiFi Mobility: As aforementioned, it is a partnership with Facebook Connectivity using its Express Wi-Fi platform to provide more than 14,000 hotspots across Nepal.

Worldlink Residential and PUBG Gamer’s Pack Broadband: Plans & Pricing

There are also other additional charges for new customers which include:

Package (Without NetTV Speed Tariff (1 month) Tariff (3 Months) Tariff (12 months)
Residential Package 200 Mbps Rs.1,300 Rs. 3,300 Rs. 12,600
250 Mbps Rs. 1,450 Rs. 3,600 Rs. 13,800
300 Mbps Rs. 1,550 Rs. 4,050 Rs. 15,600
PUBG Gamers Pack 250 Mbps N/A Rs. 3,600 Rs. 13,800
300 Mbps N/A Rs. 4,050 Rs. 15,600

You can even opt for a Mesh Wi-Fi system with options to add more Beacon routers in addition to the main router. Worldlink provides Nokia Beacon 1.1 and Beacon 3.0 routers as per plans.

2. Nepal Telecom FTTH

Surprisingly, we have dear old Nepal Telecom’s own FTTH internet bagging the second spot. Though people threw major shade at its notoriously slow ADSL-based internet services, believe it or not, there have been some positives to NT’s FTTH service.

Nepal Telecom has 276,928 users subscribed to its Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) internet plan. The number has been on the rise since the first lockdown. For reference, NT recorded 60,000 new users in the first 10 months of lockdown.  

NT FTTH is now available in 77 different locations across different districts, with speeds ranging from 25Mbps to 80Mbps under different plans and packages. To lure more users, these internet plans come bundled with NTTV and telephone service. 

Nepal Telecom (NT) FTTH Internet

Nepal Telecom FTTH Individual (Internet + TV + telephone): Plan and Pricing

Package Name Price
1 Month 3 Months 12 Months
30Mbps Rs. 1,386.71 Rs. 4,059.92 Rs. 13,886.67
40Mbps Rs. 1,828.43 Rs. 5,434.16 Rs. 16,682.64
80Mbps Rs. 2,417.38 Rs. 7,102.87 Rs. 21,541.54

Nepal Telecom FTTH Individual (No TV): Plan and Pricing

Package Name Price
1 Month 3 Months 12 Months
25Mbps Rs. 981.59 Rs. 2,797.54 Rs. 10,306.75
40Mbps Rs. 1,472.40 Rs. 4,122.70 Rs. 15,018.40
80Mbps Rs. 1,963.18 Rs. 5,398.78 Rs. 20,122.69

Nepal Telecom PREMIUM INTERNET PACKAGE (No FUP, No NetTV)

Internet Bandwidth

 

Total Package Cost (Rs.) Internet Only
1 Month 3 Months 12 Months
50 Mbps 4,417.17 12,368.10 24,343.57
80 Mbps 5,889.56 16,196.31 32,196.32
100 Mbps 7,361.96 19,631.91 40,049.06

Nepal Telecom PREMIUM INTERNET PACKAGE (No FUP, With NetTV)

Internet Bandwidth

 

Total Package Cost (Rs.) Internet with 1 NTTV
1 Month 3 Months 12 Months
50 Mbps 5,095.17 14,291.10 30,852.56
80 Mbps 6,567.56 18,119.31 38,705.32
100 Mbps 8,039.97 21,554.90 46,558.06

Now, let’s look at the additional tariffs of Nepal Telecom on the first-time installation:

One Time Charge Charge
Drop Wire Rs. 10 per meter (free for up to 100m)
Installation Charge
No Telephone Rs. 500
1 Telephone Rs. 665
2 Telephone Rs. 1,330
CPE Router Rs. 2,825 Free
CPE Dual Band Router Rs. 3,710 Free
NTTV Set Top Box Rs. 3,800 Free

3. Classic Tech

Classic Tech has moved to the third position with a user base of 270,033. The ISP arrived late to the speed war but with a bang. It launched Tachyon plans in 2021 to counter Worldlink Photon plans with a maximum bandwidth of up to 1Gbps. The company even provides Huawei Wi-Fi 6 router in collaboration with Huawei under the Platinum Tachyon plans.

Classic Tech Internet

Classic Tech Home: Plans & Pricing

Package Name  TV  Price
3 Months  12 Months 
Bronze Tachyon (225Mbps) N/A N/A Rs. 11,988
Silver Tachyon (225Mbps) 2 Rs. 3,300 Rs. 13,200
Gold Tachyon (275Mbps) 2 Rs. 3,897 Rs. 15,558
Diamond Tachyon (325Mbps) 3 Rs. 4,497 Rs. 17,988
Platinum Tachyon (625Mbps) 3 N/A Rs. 29,388

Provided below are the one-time charges for first-time users:

3 Months  12 Months 
FTTH Cable  Rs. 500 FREE
Dual Band 5G ONU  Rs. 2,000 FREE
Dual Band 5G ONU Deposit Rs. 500
STB Activation (Primary)  Rs. 2,000 FREE
STB Deposit  Rs. 500
STB Activation (Secondary)  Rs. 2,000
STB Deposit  Rs. 500

The new Tachyon packages even support the Mesh Wi-Fi system. Following is the charge associated with each additional Mesh router in each package.

Rental Charge  Security  Smart Installation 

Bronze / Silver / Gold 

1st Mesh 1.0 Rs. 3,000 Rs. 2,500 Rs. 3,000
2nd Mesh 1.0 Rs. 3,000 Rs. 2,500 Rs. 2,000

Diamond / Platinum 

Mesh 2.0 (up to 4) Rs. 8,000 Rs. 3,000 Rs. 2,000

4. Vianet

Vianet is now ranked fourth among the biggest ISPs in Nepal. Nepal Telecom and Classic Tech have shown greater growth in their customer base than Vianet in recent times. That being said, a large number of people are still subscribed to Vianet. Its FTTH service has a strong foothold, especially in Kathmandu Valley with a lot of satisfied home & corporate users.

Because of these reasons, you may have seen many polls on the internet declaring Vianet as one of the best internet service providers in Nepal. Yet, the company hasn’t managed to expand to other regions of the country as effectively as the competition.

Despite its tag as one of the largest ISPs in Nepal, Vianet hasn’t been able to expand its business in several districts of Nepal. The company is currently operational in 28 districts, the remotest being in Darchula, Khalanga.

Vianet - Best internet service providers Nepal

Anyway, Vianet now provides its own ViaTV & VoD (Video on Demand) services.

Vianet Ultra-Fi: Plans & Pricing

Package Name  Price 
1 Month  3 Months  12 Months 
Ultra-Fi 200 Mbps  Rs. 1,300 Rs. 3,450 Rs. 11,988
Ultra-Fi 250Mbps Rs. 1,450 Rs. 3,900 Rs. 13,800
Ultra-Fi 300Mbps Rs. 1,600 Rs. 4,350 Rs. 15,600
 

There are also other additional charges for new customers which include:

1 Month  3 Months  12 Months 
FTTH Cable Rs. 1,000 Rs. 750 Rs.500
Dual Band Router Installation  Rs. 2,000 Rs. 1,500 Rs. 1,000
Fiber Wi-Fi Device Deposit  Rs. 500

ViaTV Tariff

1 month 3 months 12 months
ViaTV Basic Packager per TV (Recurring) Rs. 2221.24 Rs. 663.72 Rs. 2,654.88
One-Time Primary STB Activation Rs. 2,500 Rs. 2,000 Rs. 1,500
One-Time Secondary STB Activation Rs. 2,500 Rs. 2,500 Rs. 2,000
STB Deposit (Secondary)  Rs. 500

5. Subisu

Subisu is another household name when it comes to digital TV & internet services in Nepal. It was established in 2001 and Subisu is the only cable operator in Nepal to be ISO 9001:2015 and 27001:2013 certified. That should speak volumes in itself.

While it had a total of 225,596 fiber internet subscribers the last time we updated our list, the company has managed to increase its subscriber base count to 255,394. There could be a number of reasons for this growth.

First off, the company has introduced new plans like Subhakamana, Tezz Full, and Jhakkas in an effort to remain relevant in the market. And, their website which was difficult to navigate in the past, has gotten better now. However, we still think it can get even better. For example, it’s still hard to get prices of 6-month and 12-month plans from Subisu.

Subisu Internet

You can opt for fiber internet with or without Clear TV here. Yet, the bandwidth on the internet subscription without TV is less than that with TV.

Subisu Technology and types of internet connections

In terms of technology, Subisu offers two: fiber, & wireless internet services. Here, a fiber-based internet connection is one through fiber-optic lines, whereas wireless broadband is achieved based on radio frequencies (without cable).

Among the two, fiber-optic is the optimal choice in most regards like connection quality, security, & total cost.

On the contrary, wireless internet can be a good option for those looking for quick installation & the ability to access hotspots; all at the sacrifice of signal strength & network security.

But if you want to subscribe to wireless internet from Subisu, you should know that the company only provides this service outside of Kathmandu Valley. Similarly, with wireless internet, you can not opt for Clear TV installation.

Subisu FTTH Home Internet: Plans & Pricing

Package Name (Without Clear TV)  12 months 
200Mbps  Rs. 14,070
300Mbps  Rs. 17,699
Package Name with Clear TV Price
3 months 12 Months 
200Mbps  Rs. 9292 Rs. 18,760
300Mbps  Rs. 10044 Rs. 22,389

Now let’s look at the total charge for first-time installation for annual subscribers:

   Internet Only Internet + TV
Wire Charge  Rs. 531
ONU Activation Charge  Rs. 1504
Installation Charge  FREE (for annual subscription)
STB Activation (Primary)  N/A FREE (for annual subscription)
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6. DishHome Fibernet

DishHome is a relatively new name in Nepal’s ISP industry. The company launched its Fibernet plans in 2020 from Kathmandu and is currently in the stage of expansion. DishHome Fibernet benefits from the existing distribution network of DishHome’s DTH TV.

Unlike any other ISPs in this list of best internet service providers in Nepal, DishHome Fibernet provides users with the choice between IPTV and DTH TV. The latter uses satellite signals, thus, saving your valuable bandwidth.

DishHome Fibernet

DishHome Fibernet: Plan and Pricing

Package Name  Price 
1 Month  3 Months  12 Months 
50Mbps  Rs. 3,749 Rs. 2,649 Rs. 8,299
50Mbps Internet + iTV Combo Rs. 6,899 Rs. 5,599 Rs. 12,099
75Mbps Couple Package Rs. 3,835 Rs. 2,875 Rs. 9,260
75Mbps Internet + iTV Combo Rs. 6,985 Rs. 5,825 Rs. 13,060
100Mbps Internet + iTV Combo Rs. 7,075 Rs. 6,049 Rs. 13,999
150Mbps Internet + iTV Rs. 7,230 Rs. 6,285 Rs. 14,875
150Mbps Happy Home Package  Rs. 4,080 Rs. 3,335 Rs. 11,075
200Mbps Family Package Rs. 4,170  Rs. 3,470 Rs. 11,289
200Mbps Internet + iTV Combo Rs. 7,320 Rs. 26,420 Rs. 15,089
200Mbps Family Package Rs. 4,170 Rs. 3,470 Rs. 11,289
250Mbps Family Package Rs. 4,305 Rs. 3,740 Rs. 12,920
250Mbps Internet + iTV Combo Rs. 7,455 Rs. 6,690 Rs. 16,720
300Mbps Gamer’s Pack Rs. 4,395 Rs. 4,145 Rs. 14,540
300Mbps Internet + iTV Combo Rs. 7,545 Rs. 7,095 Rs. 18,340

7. Web Surfer

Web Surfer is back in the news at the 7th spot with 147,447 subscribers as per the latest reports. The company was founded in 1999 and began with Radio Modems for corporates. Likewise, it started the Intranetr Connectivity services in Kathmandu in the year 2008. Cable internet service commenced in 2014 along with Cable TV.

Websurfer ISP Nepal

It is commendable for Websurfer to be named among the Top ISPs in Nepal. Credit goes to its attractive packages at cheaper rates than the competition. It currently offers fiber net alongside TV combo packages.

Package Name Months Price
100Mbps Fiber Net+ TV 24 Rs. 15,506
100Mbps Fiber Net + Free SuperHD TV 24 Rs. 18,090
125Mbps Fiber Net + TV 12 Rs. 9303
Jumbo 155Mbps Fiber Net + TV 12 Rs. 12060
160Mbps 12 Rs. 21,600

[Honorable Mention] CG Net

As we all know, the ISP market in Nepal was growing stale over the last few years. That’s why when CG Net debuted with its 120Mbps home plans, it felt like a breath of fresh air. Back then, other ISPs were hardly giving bandwidth higher than 80Mbps. Thus, CG Communications can also be credited with the recent bandwidth war between Nepali ISPs.

Recently, the company has also announced its IPTV service under the plan named ” CG Net Jodi”. However, being a new player in the market, it has been struggling with coverage expansion and customer service. 

30 Days Free Trial 

Sensing people’s hesitance to shift to a relatively new ISP, CG Net decided to offer a month-long free trial for potential customers applicable for both ll their packages. To get the free trial all you need to do is fill out a form and make a security deposit of Rs. 1,500. The amount will be refunded once you return the router after the end of the trial period. 

CG Net: Plans & Pricing

  

Package Name   Price  
IPTV 3 Months   12 Months  
Sprinter Jodi (80Mbps)  
1 Rs. 2,940 Rs. 10,920
Popular Jodi (155Mbps)
1 Rs. 4,050 Rs. 13,860
Rockstar Jodi (305Mbps) 
1  Rs. 4,842  Rs. 17,688

 

The additional charges levied on first-time installations are as follows:

 

3 Months 12 Months
Installation Free
Drop Wire Charge Free
Dual Band Router Rs. 1,000 Free
Refundable Deposit Rs. 500

 

Besides the above packages, CG Net also sells Postpaid packs. This “Use Now, Pay Later” scheme allows customers to only pay after using the internet monthly. You won’t have to pay for router and installation charges either. There is a month’s credit period implemented. However, a deposit fee of Rs 2,500 has to be paid, which will be returned to the customer later.

CG Net Postpaid Internet package Internet (250 Mbps) Internet and TV (250 Mbps)
Per month Rs 1,049 Rs 1,154

Best Internet Service Providers (ISP) in Nepal 2023 (Summary)

As we mentioned in the beginning, there’s no one right answer when it comes to answering the question “which is the best ISP in Nepal?” So, this listing is entirely based on each company’s subscriber volume instead.

S. No. Best Internet Service Providers in Nepal
1 Worldlink
2 Nepal Telecom FTTH
3 Classic Tech
4 Vianet
5 Subisu
6 DishHome Fibernet
7 Websurfer
Honorable Mention
CG Net

Final words

So that was it for our list of the best internet service providers (ISP) in Nepal. To re-iterate—once again—there isn’t a single best option among them, and your location is definitely a major factor defining their performance. But obviously, ISPs like Worldlink & Vianet offer a wider range of services with their internet subscription.

And that may be of great significance to userbase like families & such. Therefore, it is necessary to determine your usage volume and conduct proper research about the particular ISP’s reputation in your community before going for it.