If you only have thirty seconds: Ncell is usually cheaper for daily, weekly, and mid-size monthly data, while NTC's Rs 999 pack for 100GB gives the lowest cost per GB of any single pack from either operator. Which one actually saves you money depends less on the sticker price and more on how much data you burn through in a month and whether you need calls bundled in. This guide breaks down every current pack from both operators side by side, so you can match your usage to the right plan instead of guessing.
For light and moderate users (up to about 30GB a month), Ncell's Rs 499 pack (30GB, 30 days) or the Rs 699 Super Value pack (50GB FUP + unlimited calls) tend to offer better all-round value than NTC's equivalent tiers. For heavy users who mainly care about raw data volume, NTC's Rs 999 pack (100GB, 30 days) is the cheapest data per GB on the market. Coverage in your specific area should still be the deciding factor if the two are close.
Key Takeaways
- NTC's cheapest cost-per-GB pack is the Rs 999 / 100GB monthly plan, at roughly Rs 10 per GB.
- Ncell's Rs 499 / 30GB pack beats NTC's comparable Rs 399 / 20GB pack on price per GB.
- Ncell's Super Value packs bundle unlimited on-net calls and a 256 Kbps fair-use fallback instead of a hard cutoff once your high-speed data runs out.
- NTC's recurring Sajilo packs (1GB or 2GB per day) suit people who want a predictable daily cap rather than one lump sum that can run out early.
- Both operators let you buy directly through eSewa or Khalti, which is often faster than USSD during network congestion.
Current NTC Data Pack Prices (2026)
Nepal Telecom's data packs are split across all-time volume packs, recurring daily packs, and unlimited/FUP packs. Prices below reflect NTC's published all-time data pack lineup.
| Price (NPR) | Data | Validity | Approx. Rs/GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rs 22 | 600 MB | 1 day | ~Rs 37.5 |
| Rs 30 | 1 GB | 1 day | ~Rs 30.0 |
| Rs 99 | 8 GB | 1 day | ~Rs 12.4 |
| Rs 109 | 5 GB | 7 days | ~Rs 21.8 |
| Rs 199 | 20 GB | 7 days | ~Rs 10.0 |
| Rs 329 | 11 GB | 30 days | ~Rs 29.9 |
| Rs 399 | 20 GB | 30 days | ~Rs 20.0 |
| Rs 549 | 30 GB | 30 days | ~Rs 18.3 |
| Rs 999 | 100 GB | 30 days | ~Rs 10.0 |
Prices reflect NTC's published all-time data pack rates as of mid-2026. NTC also sells recurring daily packs (1GB/day for Rs 349/month, 2GB/day for Rs 599/month) and short unlimited/FUP packs. Confirm current pricing by dialing *1415# before purchasing, since telecom pricing changes without much notice.
NTC Recurring and Unlimited Packs
| Price (NPR) | What You Get | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Rs 349 | 1GB per day (30GB total) | 30 days |
| Rs 599 | 2GB per day (60GB total) | 30 days |
| Rs 25 | Unlimited data, voice and SMS | 1 hour |
| Rs 49 | Unlimited data at 1 Mbps | 1 day |
| Rs 89 | Unlimited data at 5 Mbps | 1 day |
| Rs 999 | Unlimited data at 5 Mbps | 30 days |
Current Ncell Data Pack Prices (2026)
Ncell's lineup separates ordinary fixed-data packs from Super Value packs, which bundle unlimited on-net calls, daily SMS, and a fair-use policy (FUP) that slows your speed to 256 Kbps instead of cutting you off once the high-speed quota runs out.
| Price (NPR) | Data | Validity | Approx. Rs/GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rs 35 | 1.25 GB | 1 day | ~Rs 28.0 |
| Rs 40 | 1.5 GB | 1 day | ~Rs 26.7 |
| Rs 50 | 5 GB + reduced-speed data | 1 day | ~Rs 10.0 |
| Rs 99 | 10 GB + reduced-speed data | 3 days | ~Rs 9.9 |
| Rs 150 | 7 GB | 7 days | ~Rs 21.4 |
| Rs 200 | 20 GB + reduced-speed data | 7 days | ~Rs 10.0 |
| Rs 349 | 12 GB | 30 days | ~Rs 29.1 |
| Rs 499 | 30 GB | 30 days | ~Rs 16.6 |
| Price (NPR) | High-Speed Data | Validity | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rs 449 | 7 GB | 30 days | Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day |
| Rs 599 | 25 GB | 30 days | Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day |
| Rs 699 | 50 GB | 30 days | Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day |
| Rs 799 | 200 GB (labelled Unlimited) | 30 days | Unlimited calls, 150 SMS/day |
All Super Value packs drop to 256 Kbps after the listed high-speed quota is used, rather than stopping data access entirely. Prices reflect Ncell's officially published Packs and Plans page as of mid-2026.
Cost Per GB: The Real Comparison
Sticker price alone is misleading because pack sizes differ. The chart below lines up the closest comparable tiers from each operator so you can see who actually wins at each usage level.
Two patterns stand out. First, NTC's largest pack (Rs 999 for 100GB) is the single cheapest way to buy data from either operator, at roughly Rs 10 per GB, but only makes sense if you'll genuinely use 100GB in a month, since unused data does not carry forward. Second, Ncell wins comfortably at every smaller tier, and its Rs 699 Super Value pack undercuts NTC's 100GB pack on price while adding unlimited calls, even though its raw high-speed quota is smaller (50GB before the FUP speed drop).
Side-by-Side: NTC vs Ncell Beyond Price
Price per GB is only part of the decision. These factors often matter more in daily use.
| Factor | NTC | Ncell |
|---|---|---|
| Rural coverage | Generally wider, including remote hill and Himalayan districts via state infrastructure | Strong in urban and semi-urban areas, more variable in remote regions |
| Largest single pack | 100GB for Rs 999 (fixed volume, hard stop) | 200GB FUP for Rs 799 (continues at 256 Kbps after quota) |
| What happens after your quota runs out | Data typically stops or reverts to Rs 1/MB pay-as-you-go | Continues at 256 Kbps on Super Value packs instead of stopping |
| Calls bundled with data | Available in Sajilo Unlimited and CUG combo packs | Built into every Super Value pack and the Rs 249 weekly combo |
| Daily-refresh option | Yes, 1GB or 2GB per day recurring packs | Yes, Rs 399 pack gives 1GB/day for 30 days |
| Buy via digital wallet | eSewa, Khalti, Namaste Pay | eSewa, Khalti, IME Pay |
If you split time between a city and a rural hometown, don't decide on price alone. Ask friends or family who already use each network in that specific rural area, since coverage quality can vary by ward even within the same district, and no published comparison captures that level of detail.
Which Pack Should You Choose? By Use Case
Light User (messaging, occasional browsing)
NTC's Rs 329 (11GB/30 days) or Ncell's Rs 349 (12GB/30 days) both cover basic WhatsApp and browsing use without paying for data you won't touch.
Either worksSocial Media Regular
Ncell's Rs 200 weekly pack (20GB + reduced-speed data) adds a safety net if a video-heavy day pushes you over budget, which NTC's fixed weekly packs don't offer at a similar price.
Ncell edgeStudent on a Fixed Budget
Ncell's Rs 499 (30GB, 30 days) has the lowest cost per GB among ordinary fixed packs from either operator, at roughly Rs 16.6/GB.
Ncell edgeHeavy Streamer or Remote Worker
NTC's Rs 999 (100GB, 30 days) gives the most raw data per rupee. If you also want unlimited calls and a slow-speed fallback instead of a hard stop, Ncell's Rs 699 or Rs 799 Super Value packs are worth the trade-off.
Depends on habitsTraveller or Short-Term Visitor
Ncell's Rs 99 pack (10GB, 3 days) fits a short trip better than committing to a full week or month of data.
Ncell edgeRural or Remote-District User
Coverage usually matters more than price here. NTC's broader rural tower footprint often makes it the more reliable choice regardless of which pack is cheaper on paper.
NTC edgeHow to Buy Either Pack
Both operators support USSD, their own apps, and digital wallets. If you use eSewa or Khalti regularly, wallet purchases are often faster and let you skip USSD menus that can be slow during network congestion.
- NTC via USSD: Dial *1415# and select your pack.
- NTC via eSewa: See our full walkthrough in How to Buy NTC Data Pack Using eSewa.
- Ncell via USSD: Dial *17123# and follow the on-screen menu.
- Ncell via Khalti: See our full walkthrough in How to Buy Ncell Data Pack Using Khalti.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
NTC's 100GB pack only pays off if you actually use most of it, since unused data does not roll over to the next cycle. A moderate user who buys it out of caution usually ends up paying more per GB actually consumed than if they had bought a smaller pack.
NTC's fixed packs generally stop or switch to pay-as-you-go pricing (Rs 1/MB) once your data is exhausted. Ncell's Super Value packs instead slow to 256 Kbps. If you can't risk being cut off mid-task, that difference matters more than the sticker price.
Both operators revise packs periodically. A price you saw shared in a Facebook group or an old blog post may already be outdated. Confirm current prices via *1415# (NTC) or *17123# (Ncell), the official apps, or a recently updated source before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NTC or Ncell, for data packs in Nepal?
It depends on the pack size. Ncell is cheaper per GB for daily, weekly, and mid-size monthly packs. NTC is cheaper per GB only at its largest tier, the Rs 999 pack for 100GB.
Does NTC or Ncell have better coverage in rural Nepal?
NTC generally has wider infrastructure reach into remote hill and mountain districts due to its state-backed rollout history. Ncell's coverage is typically strongest in urban and semi-urban areas. Actual signal strength still varies by specific location, so ask locally if you're unsure.
Can I use both NTC and Ncell data packs on one phone?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM, you can keep one SIM from each operator and switch data between them, or use one for calls and the other for data, depending on which offers better value or coverage for your situation.
What happens when my data pack finishes before the validity ends?
On NTC's fixed packs, data access typically stops or falls back to the Rs 1/MB pay-as-you-go rate. On Ncell's Super Value packs, your connection continues at a reduced 256 Kbps speed instead of stopping. Ordinary Ncell packs vary by product, so check your pack's terms.
Do unused data pack GBs carry over to the next month?
Generally no, for both operators. NTC states its all-time packs do not roll over except in specific recurring Sajilo packs, and Ncell explicitly states unused Super Value data does not carry forward once a new pack is purchased.
Can I buy NTC or Ncell data packs using eSewa or Khalti?
Yes. Both operators support purchases through eSewa and Khalti, alongside their own apps and USSD codes. See our dedicated guides for step-by-step instructions for each wallet.
Related Guides
Ready to buy? Follow our step-by-step walkthroughs: Buy NTC Data Pack via eSewa or Buy Ncell Data Pack via Khalti. Want the absolute lowest prices across every operator? Check our Cheapest Prepaid Data Pack in Nepal 2026 price list.
Conclusion
There's no single winner between NTC and Ncell, only a better fit for your usage pattern. Light and moderate users generally get more value from Ncell's Rs 499 or Rs 699 packs, especially if unlimited calls matter to you. Heavy users chasing the lowest possible cost per GB should look at NTC's Rs 999 pack. And if you live somewhere with patchy signal from one operator, coverage should override price every time; the cheapest pack is worthless without a usable connection. Compare both against your actual monthly usage, not just the headline price, before you commit.
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