Ncell is going to provide mobile numbers starting with 971 for the convenience of common consumers. The company said that it is preparing to start distributing new SIM within the second week of July.

The Nepal Telecommunication Authority had given permission to Ncell to distribute numbers in this number range on May 14. According to the Authority, the new number range has been provided because mobile numbers are insufficient to provide services to the customers through 980, 981, 982 and 970.

It is also said that this new number range has been issued in accordance with the rules of the National Numbering Allocation Plan of the Authority. Apart from telecommunication services, there is a huge need for mobile number for various digital transactions like getting one time password (OTP), signing up for mobile apps and web based services.

Ncell has also requested various service providers, government and non-government organizations, offices, banks and financial institutions to integrate this new number range into their systems for customer service like other ranges currently in operation.