Kathmandu. Ncell, which has been providing free voice, data, and SMS services for the purpose of facilitating communication, search, rescue, and relief distribution in flood-affected areas, has been extended for seven more days from tomorrow, Saturday. With this, these services will now be available free of cost in the affected areas for one more week.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ncell had announced to provide free data, on-net voice and 100 free SMS for three days to the affected areas of the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa. The three-day period is ending today.

During a disaster, communication services play an important role in the exchange of information, mutual coordination and effective rescue and relief distribution initiatives. The company has extended the free service period to make it easier for the general public of the affected communities to stay in touch with their families, relatives and the team involved in the rescue and relief work.

“We believe that our contribution will help the affected communities to stay in touch with their families and relatives during this disaster and coordinate the necessary coordination with the rescue and relief teams. It is the responsibility of all of us to do whatever we can in this difficult time,” said Upang Dutta, Chief Consumer Business Officer of Ncell.

18 towers restored

Ncell has been providing support to maintain communication services during disasters and in emergency search, rescue and relief efforts. The company has restored its 18 mobile towers that were blocked in the flood-affected areas and is also working to restore 9 other affected towers.

Similarly, Ncell on Thursday donated Rs. 1 Crore to the Prime Minister Natural Disaster Relief Fund through Ncell Foundation, to contribute in the search, rescue, relief, and rehabilitation. Ncell has also been disseminating necessary information through SMS and its social media pages and accounts, urging the people in the flood-affected areas to follow the safety directives issued by the concerned bodies to stay safe.