Low-Cost Internet Packages End: What Changes for Nepal’s Internet Users

Kathmandu, October 5, 2026

Low-Cost Internet Packages End on October 5

Internet service providers across Nepal will stop offering low-cost and low-speed internet packages from October 5, following an announcement by the Internet Service Providers’ Association Nepal (ISPAN). The association said rising operating expenses, including higher fuel and fibre prices, inflation, and increased costs of electronics and chipsets, have made it increasingly difficult for providers to continue offering such packages at existing prices.

Why Are ISPs Making This Change?

ISPAN cited several factors behind the decision, including price increases in recent years, higher fuel costs linked to tensions in West Asia, rising fibre prices and high inflation.

The association also pointed to increased prices of electronic equipment and chipsets, saying rapid growth in artificial intelligence and changing global technology markets have added pressure to operating costs.

ISPAN said these combined pressures have made it difficult for service providers to continue offering low-priced packages.

Does Everyone’s Internet Bill Increase Immediately?

Not necessarily.

The announcement does not establish a single nationwide price increase for every internet subscriber. Instead, providers will discontinue low-cost and low-speed packages that had been offered at existing prices.

The impact on current subscribers can depend on their internet provider, existing package, and renewal date.

For example, CGNET informed customers that existing packages would be discontinued and replaced by packages with revised service charges. However, the company’s customer service told New Business Age that existing subscribers could continue using their current packages until renewal, after which revised rates would apply.

This should not be assumed to be the policy of every internet provider, so customers should check directly with their own ISP.

NTA-Approved Rates Must Be Displayed

ISPAN has also directed internet service providers to clearly display the rates approved by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) on their official websites.

The NTA maintains an official list of approved tariffs for internet service providers, allowing customers to check approved rates before purchasing or renewing a service.

This means customers should carefully check the package price, internet speed, subscription period and applicable charges before making a payment.

Customers Urged to Get VAT Bills

ISPAN has also urged customers to obtain a VAT bill when paying for internet services.

Keeping an official bill provides customers with a clear record of the amount charged for their service and can help ensure greater transparency as providers revise or replace existing packages.

What Should Existing Subscribers Do?

Existing customers should not automatically assume that their internet package or bill will change immediately on October 5.

Instead, they should check their provider’s official website, customer service channels or renewal notice to find out whether their current package is affected and when any revised pricing will take effect.

Customers approaching their renewal date should also check the NTA-approved tariff and compare the speed, validity period, and final charges before selecting their next package.

What Actually Changes From October 5?

The key change is the discontinuation of existing low-cost and low-speed packages, rather than a single new internet price being imposed across Nepal.

Some customers using discounted packages may eventually have to move to revised packages when they renew, but the exact price and timing can vary by provider.

For consumers, checking official rates and requesting a VAT bill will become particularly important as ISPs begin implementing the change.