Locals of Khunde, Khamjung in Solukhumbu get access to high-speed internet

KATHMANDU: In joint efforts of the Nepal Internet Foundation and Internet Society, the Everest Community Network has been upgraded in the Kunde and Khamjung areas of Solukhumbu. On the 70th anniversary of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary's summit to Mt Everest, the highest peak in the world, these two villages were connected with high-speed fibre optic cable. The inauguration ceremony of this fibre optic network took place in Khumjung School. Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary, attended the programme along with Helen Clerk, former Prime minister of New Zealand; Naveed Haq, Regional Director of the Internet Society;  Bikram Shrestha, President of Internet Foundation Nepal; Laxman Adhikari, Ward Chairperson of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-4; and other dignitaries. Last year, the Internet Society, in collaboration with Nepal Internet Foundation and the local Sherpa community, deployed the Everest Community Network in Khunde and Khamjung. Through wireless technology, the network provided internet access to Khumjung Secondary School and Khunde Community Club. With the expansion of fibre, local residents and climbers coming to Khunde and Khamjun have now access to high-speed internet, said Nepal Internet Foundation President Shrestha. Khamjung Secondary School, Khunde Hospital, and Khunde Community Club are now connected to the Internet for free through this fibre network. In the next phase, fibre internet will be provided to the residences and lodges in the villages at subsidised rates. Shrestha informed that the high-speed fibre internet will provide opportunities to local sherpa people in education, health, climate change, and income generation. There is also a plan to install remote camera security systems in the two human settlements. The security system is expected to protect their homes and domestic animals when the sherpa people are away in winter. Sherpa homestay projects are also being introduced through this fibre-powered Everest Community Network. The project will promote Sherpa culture and lifestyles by inviting climbers and trekkers to stay in Khunde and Khumjung and experience a Sherpa life. READ ALSO:

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