Telecom & Connectivity: Ncell has rolled out a new 60-second pulse rate for international outgoing calls to 198 countries, effective August 18, 2026, after approval from Nepal’s regulator, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). Travel Convenience: The change covers major destinations including the USA, Canada, India, and China, with Ncell saying it’s meant to improve the calling experience for travelers and people staying in touch abroad. Pricing Snapshot: Ncell lists different per-call rates by country—Canada and the USA at 2.52, while some places like Russia cost more—so frequent international callers may want to check the updated rates before booking their next trip. Regional Policy Watch: In a separate piece, American Samoa pushes back on critical minerals plans linked to Trump’s July 20, 2026 Executive Order, arguing its “No” stance matters for how the territory engages federal exploration and lease-sale processes.