Kathmandu— Nepal Telecommunications Company Limited (Nepal Telecom) and Ncell are offering free telephone, SMS, and internet access to those affected by recent floods in the Bhotekoshi area of Nepal. The move follows a directive from Information and Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina for Nepal Telecom to provide immediate communication assistance to residents. Both companies aim to facilitate contact between individuals during the emergency situation and support ongoing relief efforts.

Free Service Details

Nepal Telecom is providing unlimited voice calls, 2GB of daily data, and 50 free SMS messages for two days to those in affected areas. The company has also been actively sending SMS alerts to customers near the flood zones, advising caution. Ncell, meanwhile, will offer free voice and data services for three days, along with 100 complimentary SMS messages valid for the same period, specifically targeting residents of Rasuwa district.

Infrastructure Damage

Preliminary assessments indicate that seven communication towers have been damaged by the floods – two in Rasuwa and five in Nuwakot. Nepal Telecom has dispatched a team to begin repairs and maintenance on these towers and related service infrastructure. The company is working to restore connectivity as quickly as possible.

Company Response

Ncell stated that its decision was made to ensure continued communication services during the emergency, highlighting their consistent support for disaster relief efforts. According to a company statement, Ncell has historically played an active role in search and rescue operations and distribution of aid following disasters.

Both Nepal Telecom and Ncell are continuing to monitor the situation and provide assistance as needed to those impacted by the flooding in Bhotekoshi.

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.