NTA prepares for a 20Mbps broadband connection in every ward, health post, and school free for two years.
NTA will upgrade the current 512Kbps connection to 20Mbps under the Rural Telecommunication Development (RTDF) Project utilizing its own funds.
“The plan will first prioritize the eight districts which were severely affected by the earthquake in 2072. NTA will implement this program in Dolakha, Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Sindhupalchok, Kabhrepalanchok, and Sindhuli”, NTA’s Assistant Director Binod Chandra Shrestha told the representatives from the local governments in a virtual meeting.
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He admitted that the current wireless connection is not effective to meet the demands of today’s online activities. He expects the new fiber net plan will bring a substantial improvement for people in every rural area.
“NTA will try to deploy Fiber net as far as possible in all the rural municipalities, ward, health posts, and public schools.”
He said the connection speed will be at least 20Mbps and non-dedicated. NTA will utilize its funds to set up the connections in each ward.
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Free For Two Years
The public schools, ward offices, and health schools will not be subject to any charge for this internet. That means the local level entities will get two years of free internet without any additional costs.
NTA’s fund will bear all the expenses to set up all the equipment and set up the connection.
The plan will proceed soon after the MoU agreement with the concerned local body. Minister for MoCIT Parbat Gurung told at the virtual meeting. He stated that they are already doing their homework to build smart city infrastructures in 8 districts.
The minister also reflected the vision to gradually build Nepal as a “smart nation and will launch the initiatives from Bagmati province.”
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What is your take on NTA’s plan to bring 20Mbps to every local ward in the country? It is certainly a major upgrade from the existing and dated 512Mbps connections. Where do you live? What is your internet connection currently? Let us know in the comments section below.
