Nepal Telecom Launches Postal SIM Service, Bringing Prepaid Cards to Doorsteps

Getting a Nepal Telecom prepaid SIM card is set to become easier, as customers can now apply online and have the SIM delivered to their preferred location through the postal service.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort 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’ at a programme held at his office on Wednesday. The new system allows customers to obtain a SIM card without having to visit a Nepal Telecom office for the entire process.

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

After the application is verified and approved, customers can make the payment online. The SIM card costs Rs. 90, while an additional Rs. 70 is charged for postal delivery.

Payments can be made through mobile banking applications, digital wallets, or Namaste Pay.

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

Demonstrating the new system during the launch, Minister Timilsina himself applied for a SIM card and received it at the Ministry approximately 30 minutes after completing the verification and payment process.

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

On the occasion, Minister Timilsina directed the concerned authorities to make deliveries faster than the stipulated timeframe. He also urged Nepal Telecom to expand online services to postpaid SIM cards and other administrative telecom services.

Ministry Secretary Rajendra Kumar Paudel described the initiative as a significant departure from the existing SIM distribution system. He also emphasized the need for staff training and measures to ensure the service remains effective and sustainable in the long term.

Nepal Telecom Managing Director Sangita Pahadi and Postal Services Department Director General Manmaya Bhattarai Pangeni jointly handed over the SIM card to Minister Timilsina during the launch.