NTA is preparing to set up a WiFi connection at the Manaslu circuit. Releasing a notice, the telecom authority has called for a National Competitive Bidding with an aim to connect the famous tourist site with high-speed wireless broadband.
The project will establish the Manaslu circuit as a WiFi zone that will benefit the trekkers and mountaineers along the popular trail.
NTA has declared that it will be a Two-Envelope Bidding Procedure comprising the Technical Bid and the Price Bid.
The notice reads that the project shall complete within 6 months after the agreement that is within the current FY 078/79. The total estimate for the project is NPR.100 million (10 crores). ISPs and telecom network providers will be eligible to take part in the bidding.
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20 Mbps Connection for 2 Years
The notice says the WiMax did bring the wireless connection to the select remote regions in the country. But the internet performance is rather poor and doesn’t align with the vision of Digital Nepal. That is why it wants to upgrade or provide an improved broadband facility in major tourist or religious sites under this project.
The telecom authority says the service provider shall establish the internet service on a fiber network and should have a minimum speed of 20 Mbps. Meanwhile, the service should be for free for 2 years which is similar to the ongoing RTDF broadband project.
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Manaslu Circuit is the more remote region of its popular Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Trails. Hence, NTA says the project is more suitable for the existing service providers that already have expanded their fiber network in the region.
WiFi at Manaslu Circuit a Part of ICT Policy 2015
WiFi connection at Manaslu Circuit will bring connectivity for the local households, and the visiting tourists. Besides, broadband could be useful as a guiding tool and help with rescue operations as well. The project is in line with the ambitious ICT Policy 2015. It seeks to bring internet connection to all the major tourist destinations in Nepal.
Likewise, NTA has identified other trekking routes and religious sites for the WiFi connectivity projects. This includes Halesi Mahadev, Pathibhara, Jame Masjid, Barah Chhetr, etc. NTA says those places will also have a high-speed broadband connection under a similar scheme.
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Bringing a WiFi connection at the Manaslu circuit will bring a vital tool for communication in the region benefitting everyone. The locals, tourists, guides, weather warning systems, and even the rescuers among others will benefit from the connection.
