Ncell, the private telecom operator has finally begun the Carrier Aggregation feature for its users. And that too with a bonus, I mean, a new 4G band on top of the existing two. In case you are scratching your head, fear not, I'll explain all about Ncell Carrier Aggregation in this piece of news.

Ncell Carrier Aggregation Overview

What is Carrier Aggregation?

Carrier Aggregation is basically your smartphone using two or more than two bands simultaneously which boosts your bandwidth speed. This feature was first implemented on the 3G network which gave it the name of HSPA+. At the present time, 5G is already present in several countries while Nepal is relying on 4G network connectivity. So, herein it refers to 4G Carrier Aggregation. In case you didn't know, the state-owned telco NTC was the first operator to introduce VoLTE and 4G Carrier Aggregation in Nepal. It uses two 4G frequency bands in Nepal: Band 3 (1800MHz) and Band 20 (900Hz). So, NTC users having a 4G+ signal while turning mobile data on means that the phone is using Band 3 + Band 20 at the same time.

And a new 4G band enters for Ncell Network

Just a while ago, Ncell used to operate 4G with two bands: Band 3 (1800MHz) and Band 8 (900MHz). And now, the private telco is now operating 4G through Band 1 (2100MHz) as well which was previously used for the 3G network. To shed some light on this, it has finally gotten the approval, it was long seeking the from Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). Plus, telcos are provided bandwidth for each frequency band by NTA. As per Nepalitelecom, Ncell has a total of 15MHz bandwidth for Band 1 (2100MHz). Now, it gets segregated as a 10MHz bandwidth for 3G and 5MHz bandwidth for 4G. On the other hand, Ncell is using 20MHz bandwidth for 4G on Band 3 (1800MHz) and 5MHz on Band 8 (900MHz) for 4G. So collectively, it has now 30MHz bandwidth.

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The first carrier to provide Tri-band Carrier Aggregation

Although a bit late, Ncell has finally activated Carrier Aggregation in its 4G network. And with the introduction of the third 4G band at 2100MHz frequency, Ncell becomes the first operator to provide triple band (tri-band) carrier aggregation in Nepal. Users are getting boosted 4G speed with the combined use of 2100MHz + 1800MHz + 900MHz on Ncell. Plus, it has also implemented dual-band Carrier Aggregation (Band 3 + Band 8) as per the need and area. Tri-band Carrier Aggregation on Ncell[/caption]

Advantages of Carrier Aggregation on Ncell

As I have already mentioned, Carrier Aggregation increases your bandwidth speed with 4G+. So, it's the same case on Ncell as well. But having a tri-band aggregation comes with more perks than a dual-band one. With this, you can get up to 225Mbps speed as Band 3 provides 150Mbps, and Band 1 / Band 3 can provide a speed of 35Mbps, theoretically. Plus having a more spectrum bandwidth increases the throughput capacity that can allow more users in the same network without sacrificing the overall network quality and bandwidth speed.

How to check Carrier Aggregation on your smartphone

• First, you need to download the NetMonster App on your smartphone.
• I would recommend you to do this test from an open space or from a terrace where network interference is lesser.
• Then, open the app and grant all the necessary permissions.
• Also, first turn on the airplane mode and turn it off, to check Carrier Aggregation on the NetMonster app.
• After that, it will show its homepage with carrier and band information.
• If you are using an NTC SIM, it will show 1800MHz + 800MHz. While on Ncell, it will either show you 1800MHz + 900MHz or 2100MHz + 1800MHz+ 900MHz.

[caption id="attachment_184097" align="alignnone" width="900"]

Dual-band Carrier Aggregation on both NTC and Ncell

Factors for Carrier Aggregation to Work

• Both your carrier and smartphone should support Carrier Aggregation.
• It also depends on the area you are living in and the cell towers in your location. For example, city areas have multiple towers with more than one band frequency emission enabled, dual-band or tri-band in the case of Ncell.
• Rural areas mostly include cell towers with just one band frequency enabled. So, Carrier Aggregation does not work there for most of the instances.
• Carrier Aggregation requires multiple frequency bands, so, it is subject to work properly in open spaces or on top floors of a building with better network reception.
• Ncell's 4G bands, Band 1, Band 3, and Band 8 are available in almost every smartphone in Nepal. However, not every device supports Carrier Aggregation.
• Meanwhile, NTC's Band 20 is not available in "Made for India" phones. So always check Band 20 support before buying a new smartphone in order to use NTC's 4G Carrier Aggregation in city areas and 4G network in rural areas.
• Ncell Carrier Aggregation with Triple Bands is only available in certain areas while its dual-band aggregation is common in various areas.