Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is all set to commence the process of offering the free WiFi service at the Everest Base Camp (EBC) region. For this purpose, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has handed down the contract to Everest Link Pvt. Ltd to introduce free internet access in the Everest base camp region.
This choice to provide the free WiFi service comes because of the grumblings and solicitations from the mountain climbers and trekkers saying that the internet providers in the area are over the top expensive and of low-quality.
NTA will be investing more than Sixty-nine millions on the project. Free internet service will be made accessible in other areas like Lobuche, Monjo, Namche Bazaar, Phakding, Feriche, and Tengboche apart from the Everest Base Camp region. NTA has focused to finish the establishment work in the following eight months.
Read: People’s Expectation with Internet service in Nepal >>
About Everest Link Pvt. Ltd
Everest Link Pvt. Ltd was established on October 1st, 2014 to provide reasonable internet services in the remote areas of Solukhumbu district. They give more priority to providing an efficient wireless Internet through the use of advanced technology. Now they have grabbed the contract for the instalment of free WiFi services in the EBC region. Everest link, the extreme ISP has also been providing internet services in those regions. So, it is a good thing that they have got this opportunity.
Reasons For the Need for Free WiFi Service In EBC
The internet service is available in the Everest Base Camp (EBC) in different lodges and restaurants. But they are very expensive for the trekkers, it costs up to $10 for one-time use only. On the other hand, trekkers also utilize mobile internet data connection of the telecommunications giants like NTC and Ncell or purchase the Everest Link Card, a WiFi-based prepaid broadband internet service, etc.
So, it is a very good decision from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) as the internet has become a very integral part of our life. We have become very attached to social media for various reasons.
If the internet service is provided free of cost to the peoples then it is definitely going to help us promote tourism in our country. Providing free internet service means gaining free publicity on social media. Another thing trekkers and mountaineers won’t need to sip a cup of tea just to access the internet. The people will be able to get free WiFi in Everest Base Camp.
We all know that EBC Trek is perceived as one of the World’s best adventurous & popular treks. Many people flock here for the trek and magnificent view of the mountains. If they gain free internet service then they will be able to communicate with their families and friends easily. They’ll post their pictures, videos, vlogs, etc. on their social media and result in the promotion of the tourist place. It will also help tourism to prosper.
There have also been cases of accidents due to the harsh and extreme climatic conditions and due to the lack of proper communication, it has made it hard for rescue missions. It will also help in rescue missions.
Although the NTA has taken a first step towards the project, it won’t be easy to accomplish. Worldlink Communication has also provided free WiFi services in different areas in Kathmandu Metropolitan City. They have installed WiFi hotspots in 6 different areas. We hope the Free WiFi project in EBC will be as successful as it. But there is a question of feasibility and sustainability of Free WiFi service.
Similarly, there are separate WiFi projects in different regions, funded by NTA. One of them being the Nepal Telecom’s free Wifi in the earthquake-affected areas.
Final Verdict
So, the plan is picture perfect and very impressive but there is always doubt in proper implementation in most of the Nepali projects especially in the IT Sector. If this proposal works out, then this can be expanded to various hilly as well as Touristorial regions. Fingers Crossed.
Just like ‘Namche Bazar is the Gateway to Mt.Everest’, this project can be a cornerstone to various areas. The people will no longer have to use the expensive internet services.
Everest has already found the 5G network but on the Chinese Side.
So, what are your thoughts about this free WiFi project? Do share your views on the matter in the comment section.
