Nepal’s major ISPs stop offering low-cost, low-speed internet packages

Kathmandu, October 6, 2026 — Major internet service providers in Nepal have stopped offering new low-cost and low-speed internet packages from Monday, following an announcement by the Internet Service Providers’ Association of Nepal (ISPAN).

ISPAN had announced that its members would discontinue affordable, lower-speed packages from October 5, citing rising operating costs. The association pointed to inflation, higher fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, rising fibre costs and increasing prices of electronic equipment and chipsets amid the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.

The decision has affected the availability of lower-priced plans from major providers. Current market offerings show providers such as WorldLink, Vianet and Subisu prominently offering higher-speed packages, while some previously approved lower-speed plans are no longer readily available for new customers.

WorldLink’s current website lists a 200 Mbps internet-only package at Rs 14,894 for 12 months, excluding VAT. The company also lists additional one-time charges for new customers, including router, ONU rental, deposit and setup-related costs.

Vianet’s current website similarly lists 200 Mbps as its entry-level displayed plan, priced at Rs 4,800 for three months and Rs 13,800 for 12 months, with prices shown as inclusive of VAT.

The move follows a broader industry decision to withdraw lower-speed packages. According to ISPAN, the rising cost of maintaining services has made it difficult for providers to continue offering such packages at previous prices.

However, the decision has prompted concerns from consumer groups and raised a regulatory dispute with the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA).

The NTA says internet service providers can sell services only at approved tariff rates and cannot unilaterally remove or alter packages in a way that restricts consumer access. NTA spokesperson Min Prasad Aryal said prior approval is required both to introduce new packages and to discontinue existing ones. The authority said it had not received formal notice or an application from providers seeking prior approval to withdraw lower-speed packages.