Telecom operator Nepal Telecom (Ntc) has started two NTSAT phone lines in Tinkar, a village near China to provide phone service. Meanwhile, the company is also building a 4G tower in Jyakti, Chhangru of Vyas Rurali Municipality -1 (Gaunpalika).
This is the first time the remote village has received telephone service in Tinker with VSAT lines. “The village has received its first-ever communications service through VSAT NTSAT lines,” Vyas-1 ward chairman Vinodsingh Budhathoki said.
Chhangru does have sky phone service in operation though. In addition, the area will soon get 4G service after the tower construction completes.
Krishna Bahadur Gurung, Nepal Telecom (Ntc) Chief of Darchula led his own initiation to resume telephone service in the area. “Sky Phone was off the line for some days. But now, the office chief himself involved to restore the service,” said Dhirendra Shah, the commander of the Gulm no. 50 of the Armed Police Force (APF).
“A 4G tower is being constructed on a hill in Chhangru’s Jyakti. It will take a while due to the lack of solar battery,” Shahi added.
RSS reports that two telephone lines numbered 994930050 and 994930051 are operating in the area. Prior to this, the locals had no access to telephone service.
Also read: Ntc Begins 4G in Pathibhara, a Popular Religious Site
4G in Chhangru, a strategically important region
Ntc is also working on initiating a 4G network in Chhangru. This when begins, will benefit many surrounding areas. Kalapani, Kuti, Gunji, Nabhi, etc. will gain access to Nepali telecom services. These are strategically important and highly sensitive areas for Nepal.
Villages such as Gunji, and Kuti are visible from Jyakti hill. Due to the repeater tower being erected on the tallest hill, the coverage will also expand around Indian villages across the border.
Ntc has accelerated its telecom services in recent months. Remote regions are seeing telecom services start for the first time. The company has specifically established 2G and 4G for voice and broadband services respectively. Later this year, Ntc could launch 5G for trials.
Nepal though making strides in mobile communications has a lot to achieve. Still many areas in remote regions have no direct telecom services. Challenge is to set up hardware and sustain them through regular maintenance.
Brining communications throughout the country would help achieve a digital economy and bridge the digital divide.
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