Infrastructure and access
- Fiber / Fixed Broadband Infrastructure8
- Mobile / Wireless Infrastructure7
- Last-Mile / Access Infrastructure4
- Backbone / Backhaul / Middle-Mile Infrastructure3
- Infrastructure Planning / Mapping / Funding3
Digital Divide Country Profile · Asia
NP
Nepal
Closing the digital divide, expanding meaningful connectivity, and advancing digital education and workforce participation.
Location in the world
Nepal
Asia
Nepal🇳🇵
- Population (2024)
- 29,651,054
- Total area
- 147,181 km²
- Area in square miles
- 56,826.88 mi²
- Coastline
- Landlocked · 0 km
National digital inclusion context
A portfolio-based view of access, capability, and outcomes.
This profile organizes the initiatives directly connected to Nepal in the global research inventory. It follows the study's country-profile framework: national context, broadband infrastructure, inclusion practices, education and workforce connections, implementation actors, and intended contribution.
The documented portfolio emphasizes Fiber / Fixed Broadband Infrastructure, Mobile / Wireless Infrastructure, Last-Mile / Access Infrastructure, Fiber/Fiber Optic, Microwave. The profile treats infrastructure, affordability, capability, institutions, support, and outcomes as an interconnected system.
Portfolio pattern
What the documented response contains.
Counts reflect source-workbook tags. One initiative may appear in multiple infrastructure or technology categories.
Specific technologies
- Fiber/Fiber Optic8
- Microwave7
- 50 Mbps broadband1
- 5G1
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)1
Intervention classification
- Infrastructure and Specific Technology8
- Infrastructure only3
- Specific Technology only3
- Neither explicitly identified2
- National Broadband Policy + Digital Literacy + Affordability1
Education and workforce
Connectivity becomes consequential through participation.
8 initiatives explicitly connect to education, K–12, or college/university contexts, and 2 connect to workforce development. Other investments may enable these outcomes indirectly.
Networks, service availability, devices, and connection quality.
Skills, confidence, accessibility, navigation, and support.
Education, work, health, government, and civic opportunity.
Governance, operations, maintenance, funding, and learning.
Project and initiative portfolio
17 documented records
Every directly tagged record is shown with details and supporting URLs preserved from the research workbook.
01Rural e-commerce and market access
Agricultural E-Commerce Platform
Active · Kathmandu Valley and rural producer networksView details
Rural e-commerce and market access
Agricultural E-Commerce Platform
Active · Kathmandu Valley and rural producer networksStatus / periodActiveLocationKathmandu Valley and rural producer networksPopulationLocal farmersOrganizationsVertex Special Technology; participating farmersFundingMore than 50 local farmers empowered
Connects rural producers to broader markets, increases economic opportunity, and reduces geographic isolation.
Activities and approach: Online ordering and management of fruits/vegetables; delivery tracking; market expansion.
02Emerging technology for rural agriculture
Blockchain and IoT Agricultural Innovation Exploration
Exploratory · Agricultural sectorView details
Emerging technology for rural agriculture
Blockchain and IoT Agricultural Innovation Exploration
Exploratory · Agricultural sectorStatus / periodExploratoryLocationAgricultural sectorPopulationFarmers and agricultural supply chainsOrganizationsVertex Special TechnologyFundingExploratory portfolio work
Explores blockchain traceability and IoT smart farming to improve transparency, fair prices, productivity, and sustainability.
Activities and approach: Blockchain supply-chain management; IoT precision farming concepts.
03National broadband and digital economy
Digital Nepal Acceleration (DNA) Project
Approved 2022 / implementation · Nationwide, with emphasis on rural areasView details
National broadband and digital economy
Digital Nepal Acceleration (DNA) Project
Approved 2022 / implementation · Nationwide, with emphasis on rural areasStatus / periodApproved 2022 / implementationLocationNationwide, with emphasis on rural areasPopulationRural residents and businesses; women; ethnic/social minorities; persons with disabilitiesOrganizationsGovernment of Nepal; Ministry of Communications and Information Technology; World Bank
Expands affordable, high-quality broadband while increasing digital skills, entrepreneurship and access to online services for underserved groups.
Activities and approach: Broadband expansion; data infrastructure; cybersecurity; digital skills; digital services.
EducationWorkforce
04Regional fiber backbone
District Optical Fiber Network along Mid-Hill Highway – Eastern Package
Ongoing/legacy · Koshi/Madhesh/Bagmati corridorView details
Regional fiber backbone
District Optical Fiber Network along Mid-Hill Highway – Eastern Package
Ongoing/legacy · Koshi/Madhesh/Bagmati corridorStatus / periodOngoing/legacyLocationKoshi/Madhesh/Bagmati corridorPopulationDistricts and service providersOrganizationsNepal Telecom; NTA RTDF
Builds a regional optical backbone to extend high-capacity connectivity along the Mid-Hill Highway.
Activities and approach: District optical fiber; DWDM
05National policy; broadband expansion; affordability; digital literacy; technology modernization
Integrated Telecommunications Policy 2026 – Broadband Affordability, Coverage and Digital Literacy Targets
Draft policy unveiled August 2026 · Nepal nationwide, including rural and underserved areasView details
National policy; broadband expansion; affordability; digital literacy; technology modernization
Integrated Telecommunications Policy 2026 – Broadband Affordability, Coverage and Digital Literacy Targets
Draft policy unveiled August 2026 · Nepal nationwide, including rural and underserved areasStatus / periodDraft policy unveiled August 2026LocationNepal nationwide, including rural and underserved areasPopulationAll residents, with particular relevance to rural communities and people facing affordability or skills barriersOrganizationsNepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA); Government of Nepal telecommunications authoritiesFundingNational policy framework; no single funding amount stated
Creates measurable national targets for broadband reach, affordability and digital literacy while modernizing licensing, spectrum and infrastructure-sharing rules that influence deployment.
Activities and approach: 50 Mbps broadband targets; affordability caps; digital literacy targets; policy consolidation; infrastructure sharing; licensing and spectrum reform; 5G, fiber, FWA, IoT and satellite enablement
06Remote-region backbone
Karnali and Sudurpaschim Microwave Backbone Network
2022–ongoing · Karnali and SudurpaschimView details
Remote-region backbone
Karnali and Sudurpaschim Microwave Backbone Network
2022–ongoing · Karnali and SudurpaschimStatus / period2022–ongoingLocationKarnali and SudurpaschimPopulationRemote districts and service providersOrganizationsNTA; selected network provider
Builds high-capacity microwave backbone where fiber deployment is difficult.
Activities and approach: Microwave backbone
07Local-government digital transformation
Municipal Management Information Systems
Implemented · Thalara Rural Municipality, Bajhang District; Kankasundari Rural Municipality, Jumla DistrictView details
Local-government digital transformation
Municipal Management Information Systems
Implemented · Thalara Rural Municipality, Bajhang District; Kankasundari Rural Municipality, Jumla DistrictStatus / periodImplementedLocationThalara Rural Municipality, Bajhang District; Kankasundari Rural Municipality, Jumla DistrictPopulationMunicipal governments and residentsOrganizationsVertex Special Technology; participating municipalitiesFundingImplemented in two rural municipalities
Improves public-sector data management and efficiency in rural municipalities.
Activities and approach: Municipal MIS implementation.
08Digital public infrastructure and service access
Nepal Digital Transformation Project
Approved February 2026 · NationwideView details
Digital public infrastructure and service access
Nepal Digital Transformation Project
Approved February 2026 · NationwideStatus / periodApproved February 2026LocationNationwidePopulationCitizens and businesses, including people needing remote access to public servicesOrganizationsGovernment of Nepal; Ministry of Communications and Information Technology; Department of National ID and Civil Registration; World Bank; ADB
Builds shared digital public infrastructure and digitizes high-impact services, lowering geographic and transaction barriers to participation in the digital economy.
Activities and approach: Citizen portal; integrated social registry; government data exchange; digital locker/wallet; cybersecurity.
09Regional rural broadband
RTDF Broadband Access – Arghakhachi, Gulmi, Palpa and Pyuthan
2020 contract · Four Province 5 districtsView details
Regional rural broadband
RTDF Broadband Access – Arghakhachi, Gulmi, Palpa and Pyuthan
2020 contract · Four Province 5 districtsStatus / period2020 contractLocationFour Province 5 districtsPopulationPublic institutions and residentsOrganizationsNTA; Techmind Network
Builds broadband networks in four underserved districts using RTDF subsidy.
Activities and approach: Broadband optical network
10Regional rural broadband
RTDF Broadband Access – Chitwan, Nawalpur, Nawalparasi, Rupandehi and Kapilbastu
2020 contract · Five central/western districtsView details
Regional rural broadband
RTDF Broadband Access – Chitwan, Nawalpur, Nawalparasi, Rupandehi and Kapilbastu
2020 contract · Five central/western districtsStatus / period2020 contractLocationFive central/western districtsPopulationMunicipalities, schools, health facilities and ward officesOrganizationsNTA; Subisu
Builds subsidized broadband access networks and public-institution connections.
Activities and approach: Optical fiber; microwave
EducationK–12
11Regional rural broadband
RTDF Broadband Access – Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur
2020 contract programme · Five western districtsView details
Regional rural broadband
RTDF Broadband Access – Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur
2020 contract programme · Five western districtsStatus / period2020 contract programmeLocationFive western districtsPopulationMunicipalities, ward offices, schools and health facilitiesOrganizationsNepal Telecommunications Authority; selected ISP
Builds subsidized optical/microwave broadband and connects public institutions.
Activities and approach: Optical fiber; microwave; institutional Internet
EducationK–12
12Rural broadband access network
RTDF Broadband Network – Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, Palpa and Pyuthan
Awarded 2020 / implementation · Province 5: Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, Palpa, PyuthanView details
Rural broadband access network
RTDF Broadband Network – Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, Palpa and Pyuthan
Awarded 2020 / implementation · Province 5: Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, Palpa, PyuthanStatus / periodAwarded 2020 / implementationLocationProvince 5: Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, Palpa, PyuthanPopulationSchools, health posts, municipal offices, ward offices and rural residentsOrganizationsNepal Telecommunications Authority; Techmind Network Pvt. Ltd.
Uses universal-service funding to connect rural public institutions and extend broadband availability in four districts.
Activities and approach: Fiber/microwave broadband; public-institution connectivity.
EducationK–12
13Rural broadband access network
RTDF Broadband Network – Chitwan, Nawalpur, Nawalparasi, Rupandehi and Kapilbastu
Contracted 2020 / implementation · Five districts: Chitwan, Nawalpur, Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, KapilbastuView details
Rural broadband access network
RTDF Broadband Network – Chitwan, Nawalpur, Nawalparasi, Rupandehi and Kapilbastu
Contracted 2020 / implementation · Five districts: Chitwan, Nawalpur, Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, KapilbastuStatus / periodContracted 2020 / implementationLocationFive districts: Chitwan, Nawalpur, Nawalparasi, Rupandehi, KapilbastuPopulationMunicipal and ward offices, health facilities, public secondary schools and surrounding communitiesOrganizationsNepal Telecommunications Authority; Subisu Cable Net
Uses Rural Telecommunication Development Fund subsidies to extend optical-fiber/microwave broadband and institutional internet access into underserved districts.
Activities and approach: Optical fiber; microwave backhaul; institutional internet connectivity.
EducationK–12
14Rural broadband access network
RTDF Broadband Network – Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur
Contracted 2020 / implementation · Five districts: Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, KanchanpurView details
Rural broadband access network
RTDF Broadband Network – Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur
Contracted 2020 / implementation · Five districts: Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, KanchanpurStatus / periodContracted 2020 / implementationLocationFive districts: Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, KanchanpurPopulationMunicipal and ward offices, health facilities, schools and rural communitiesOrganizationsNepal Telecommunications Authority; licensed ISP contractors
Extends subsidized broadband infrastructure to public institutions and communities in five western districts where commercial deployment is less attractive.
Activities and approach: Optical fiber; microwave; broadband access for public institutions.
EducationK–12
15Rural broadband / public institution connectivity
RTDF Broadband Network and Internet Access Connectivity in Five Districts
Procurement/implementation programmeView details
Rural broadband / public institution connectivity
RTDF Broadband Network and Internet Access Connectivity in Five Districts
Procurement/implementation programmeStatus / periodProcurement/implementation programmePopulationMunicipalities, ward offices, health centers, public schools, rural communitiesOrganizationsNepal Telecommunications Authority; licensed ISPs
Uses the Rural Telecommunications Development Fund to subsidize broadband optical and microwave networks in underserved districts.
Activities and approach: Optical fiber and microwave broadband; public institution connectivity; internet access services.
EducationK–12
16AI-enabled agricultural mobile application
TelePlantDoctor
Active · Nationwide agricultural communitiesView details
AI-enabled agricultural mobile application
TelePlantDoctor
Active · Nationwide agricultural communitiesStatus / periodActiveLocationNationwide agricultural communitiesPopulationFarmersOrganizationsVertex Special Technology; Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) NepalFundingHundreds of farmers reported as beneficiaries
Uses AI-based plant-disease diagnosis to improve agricultural productivity, food security, and rural economic stability.
Activities and approach: AI mobile application for plant disease diagnosis and agricultural support.
17Alternative education / digital skills / EdTech / youth employability
UNICEF–Government of Nepal Community Learning Centres and Alternative Learning Programme Digital Skills Expansion
Active / expanding in 2026 · Community Learning Centres across Nepal, including examples in Karnali and Lumbini ProvincesView details
Alternative education / digital skills / EdTech / youth employability
UNICEF–Government of Nepal Community Learning Centres and Alternative Learning Programme Digital Skills Expansion
Active / expanding in 2026 · Community Learning Centres across Nepal, including examples in Karnali and Lumbini ProvincesStatus / periodActive / expanding in 2026LocationCommunity Learning Centres across Nepal, including examples in Karnali and Lumbini ProvincesPopulationOut-of-school children and adolescents; girls; disadvantaged youth; adult women in participating communitiesOrganizationsGovernment of Nepal; UNICEF Nepal; local governments; Community Learning Centres; SAC Nepal; Kalika Self-Reliance Social Center; European Union and other partnersFundingUNICEF reported support for more than 18,000 children in 2025 through ALP and skills development
Combines flexible education, EdTech and digital-skills development so excluded learners can re-enter education and gain capabilities needed for future work and digital participation.
Activities and approach: Community Learning Centres; Alternative Learning Programme; EdTech-supported learning; digital literacy; foundational learning; technical and employability skills; referral to vocational training
EducationK–12Workforce
Evidence boundary
Read the portfolio as a starting point, not a final verdict.
Project records document interventions and intended contributions; they do not alone prove nationwide coverage, causal impact, or durable closure.
Profiles will deepen as national statistics, policy documents, evaluations, and implementation evidence are incorporated. Source links allow inspection of underlying evidence.
Evidence and contextProfile Sources+
These sources support the country-level demographic, geographic, and connectivity context. Sources tied to individual projects remain with their project records and are not repeated here.
- Central Intelligence Agency. (n.d.). Nepal. The World Factbook. Retrieved September 26, 2026, from https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/nepal/
- International Telecommunication Union. (n.d.). ITU DataHub: Country ICT data. Retrieved September 26, 2026, from https://datahub.itu.int/
- World Bank. (n.d.). Individuals using the Internet (% of population): Nepal. World Development Indicators. Retrieved September 26, 2026, from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IT.NET.USER.ZS?locations=NP
- World Bank. (n.d.). Population, total: Nepal. World Development Indicators. Retrieved September 26, 2026, from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=NP