Nepal Telecom has transported communication equipment to the remote Badimalika region using helicopters to establish telephone and internet services, with plans to launch 4G service within five days.
Nepal Telecom has successfully delivered communication devices and other necessary materials to Badimalika, a significant religious and tourist spot in Bajura. This delivery was done by helicopter to expand telephone and internet services in the area. Due to the challenging terrain and lack of road access, transporting the equipment by land was difficult, so the Nepali Army’s helicopter were utilized for the task on Tuesday.
Minister’s Directive and Coordination Efforts
The process of expanding communication services in Badimalika started after a directive from Dr. Vikram Timilsina, the Minister of Information and Communication. Minister Timilsina had instructed Nepal Telecom on Saun 8 to swiftly move forward with the necessary steps for extending telephone and internet services. Prioritizing the expansion of communication access in remote and tourist areas, the Ministry had called for the fastest possible service activation in Badimalika. Following this, the ministry continuously coordinated with Nepal Telecom, speeding up the process of infrastructure development, equipment transport, and installation.
During these efforts, Minister Timilsina also held discussions with Amar Bahadur Khadka, the Mayor of Badimalika Municipality. The talks focused on identifying suitable locations for telecom infrastructure, assessing local road conditions, and exploring potential support from the local government. When it become clear that ground transport of the equipment was not feasible, instructions were given to arrange helicopter delivery.
Weather Delays and On-Ground Challenges
According to Brijesh Sharma, Director of Nepal Telecom’s Far-Western Provincial Directorate, unfavorable weather conditions caused some delays in equipment delivery. Nepal Telecom tried to get the materials to Badimalika from Saun 18, but flights could not happen because of the bad weather. The technical team assigned to the installation site even had to be called back due to the poor conditions.
Although the equipment reached the designated spot by helicopter on Tuesday, about four thousand kilograms of devices and other materials still need to be carried by human power to the final installation site, Sharma explained. He noted that managing workforce in the high Himalayan region, along with the equipment, presents a significant challenge.
Anticipated Service Launch and Future Plans
Coordination is ongoing with the mayors of Badimalika and Triveni Municipalities regarding the delivery of materials to the installation site, managing a high-altitude capable workforce, and securing necessary local support. Nepal Telecom expects the site to be operational within approximately five days once all materials are at the installation location.
Initially, Nepal Telecom aimed to launch services in the Badimalika area by the end of Saun. While the preliminary plan was to complete the work by Saun 30, adverse weather, the high Himalayan geography, and difficulties in transporting materials led to some delays. Nevertheless, Telecom is intensifying equipment installation and technical work to start the service as soon as possible.
The Badimalika temple area stands at an elevation of about four thousand two hundred meters above sea level. Despite growing religious and general tourism in this high Himalayan region, reliable telephone and internet services were previously unavailable. The lack of communication caused problems for local residents, pilgrims, and tourists for contact and information exchange.
Nepal Telecom is preparing to launch 4G service in the Badimalika area as an initial step. This initiative is part of the government’s plan to expand mobile broadband access in remote and tourist areas, extending modern telecommunication services to high Himalayan regions.
Alongside Badimalika, studies are also underway for 4G service expansion in the Everest Base Camp area. Telecom said that technical and geographical studies are being prioritized for expanding communication services in high Himalayan areas with increasing tourist activity.
Nepal Telecom has already extended 4G service to several other high Himalayan locations. For instance, 4G service is operational at an altitude of about three thousand nine hundred meters in Lhan (Tripurasundari Municipality-6, Dolpa) and Dunai (Thulibheri Municipality-1). Similarly, 4G service has also started in Olangchunggola, Taplejung, at approximately three thousand four hundred meters.
Government’s Commitment to Digital Connectivity
The government prioritizes the expansion of telecommunication infrastructure in remote, rural, and underserved areas. The goal is to connect regions deprived of communication services due to geographical difficulties to the national communication network and to reduce the digital divide by accelerating access to mobile and internet services.
Currently, the construction process for about one thousand six hundred new mobile towers and associated sites is moving ahead to improve telecommunication service access and quality nationwide. Nepal Telecom plan to invest over 6 arba rupees in this current fiscal year alone for service expansion, capacity enhancement, and quality improvement in rural and remote areas.
AI Disclaimer: This article was originally published on https://bajarkochirfar.com. It has been translated with the help of AI. For the best understanding and accurate facts, we recommend reading the original Nepali version.
