KATHMANDU: Ncell has extended its free voice, data and SMS services in flood-affected areas for an additional seven days to help maintain communication and facilitate ongoing search, rescue and relief operations.
The extended service will take effect from Saturday, allowing customers in affected areas to continue accessing the designated services free of charge for another week.
Earlier on Wednesday, Ncell had announced three days of free data, all-network voice calls and 100 SMS messages for customers in areas affected by severe flooding in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa. The initial three-day period is scheduled to end on Friday.
The company said the extension was introduced in recognition of the critical role telecommunications play during emergencies. Reliable connectivity enables affected residents to remain in contact with family members while also supporting coordination among authorities and teams involved in search, rescue and relief operations.
Ncell Chief Consumer Business Officer Upanga Dutta said the company expects the initiative to help affected communities communicate with their families and facilitate coordination among teams responding to the disaster. He also stressed the importance of collective support during the emergency.
Meanwhile, Ncell said it has restored 18 mobile towers that were disrupted by the flooding. Technical teams are working to bring nine additional affected towers back into operation as the company works to maintain network connectivity in disaster-hit areas.
As part of its broader disaster response, the Ncell Foundation contributed Rs 10 million (Rs 1 crore) to the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund on Thursday. The contribution is intended to support ongoing search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The company has also been sharing safety information through SMS and its social media platforms, urging people in affected areas to follow official safety instructions as emergency and recovery operations continue.
