Kathmandu: Nepal’s internet infrastructure is under severe strain after the government’s decision to ban social media platforms, with service providers warning that the entire country could face an internet blackout by Monday evening.
Following the ban on Facebook and other major platforms, users have increasingly turned to illegal bypass methods such as VPNs and DNS tools to access blocked services. This surge in traffic through international gateways has overwhelmed internet providers.
According to Sudhir Parajuli, president of the Internet Service Providers’ Association of Nepal (ISPAN), the pressure on the network has become unsustainable.
“Since the government blocked Facebook and other platforms, users have resorted to bypassing systems, causing extreme pressure on the few international gateways. If this continues at the current rate, Nepal may face a total internet shutdown by tonight,” Parajuli warned.
Service providers say that much of the surge is linked to the ongoing Gen Z protests, where demonstrators are relying on VPNs and other tools to communicate, organize, and broadcast events despite the government’s restrictions.
Parajuli urged the government to lift the social media ban immediately, warning that providers could no longer cope with the traffic load.
“The internet is slowing, providers are overwhelmed, and the system is becoming unsustainable. If social media remains blocked, VPN and DNS-based traffic will push the network to the point of collapse,” he said.
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