Bhutan Telecom plans to expand its 3G network to at least 40 new locations by the end of the year, with work scheduled to commence next month.
The network, which is currently limited to the core areas of Thimphu City, will be expanded to more areas of Thimpu, as well as Phuentsholing, Paro and Gelephu, Kuensel Onlinereported.
The rollout area will include several educational institutions. Bhutan Telecom's 3G service provides data speeds of just 7.2 Mbps.
According to the operator's CEO, Bhutan Telecom has allocated 540 million ($10.9 million) to optimize and expand its mobile network.
The company is working to increase the disaster preparedness of its network, in the wake of a September 2011 earthquake which led to problems including network congestion and dropped calls.
Bhutan Telecom also plans to deploy FTTC services around the country to improve broadband services in the nation.
All told, Bhutan Telecom has set aside nearly 1 billion ngultrums for capital investments.