Nepal Telecom SIM cards to reach customers’ doorsteps through postal service

Kathmandu, Oct. 14: Getting a Nepal Telecom prepaid SIM card is set to become easier, with customers now able to apply online and have the card delivered to their preferred locations through the postal service.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader vision to digitalize public services and make them more accessible, convenient and citizen-friendly.

Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, launched the ‘Postal SIM Service’ amid a programme at his office on Wednesday, introducing a new system that allows customers to obtain SIM cards without having to visit a Nepal Telecom Office physically for the entire process.

To apply, customers needs browsing esim.ntc.net.np, then access the Postal SIM Portal and submit their personal details. Applicants can select a nearby Nepal Telecom counter for identity verification.

Once the application is verified and approved, customers can pay online for the service. A SIM card costs Rs 90 with an additional Rs 70 charged for postal delivery. Payments can be made through mobile banking applications, digital wallets or Namaste Pay.

The SIM cards can be tracked during the delivery. The service aims to deliver SIM cards within around two hours of application approval and payment in urban areas, while delivery in rural areas is expected to take up to three days.

Govt committed to transform service: Minister Timilsina

Demonstrating the service during the launch, Minister Timilsina applied for a SIM card and received it at the Ministry in approximately 30 minutes after verification and payment.

He viewed that delivering public services directly to citizens would save both time and money. Minister Timilsina also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the postal service into a modern public-sector courier system.

On the occasion, the Minister directed the concerned authorities to make deliveries even faster than the stipulated timeframe.

He also urged Nepal Telecom to extend online services to postpaid SIM cards and other administrative telecom services.

Speaking at the launch, Ministry secretary Rajendra Kumar Paudel acknowledged the initiative as a significant departure from the existing SIM distribution system, emphasizing the need for staff training and measures to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Nepal Telecom’s managing director Sangita Pahadi and Postal Services Department’s director general Manmaya Bhattarai Pangeni jointly handed over the SIM card to Minister Timilsina during the launch. (RSS)