KATHMANDU: In the villages of Kunde and Khamjung in Solukhumbu, the Everest Community Network has been upgraded thanks to joint efforts of the Nepal Internet Foundation and Internet Society.
These two villages are now connected by a high-speed fiber optic cable in honor of the 70th anniversary of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edand Hillary scaling Everest, the highest peak in the world.
This fiber optic network’s inauguration ceremony was held at Khumjung School. Along with Helen Clerk, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Naveed Haq, Regional Director of the Internet Society, Bikram Shrestha, President of the Internet Foundation Nepal, and Laxman Adhikari, Chairman of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Ward No. 1, Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary, attended the program. 4, along with many other dignitaries.
Khunde and Khamjung villages now have access to the Everest Community Network thanks to the Internet Society, Nepal Internet Foundation, and the neighborhood Sherpa community.
The network gave the Khunde community club and the Khumjung school access to the internet via wireless technology.
According to Bikram Shrestha, president of the Nepal Internet Foundation, the fiber-optic network’s expansion will give residents of Khunde and Khamjung as well as climbers visiting these villages access to high-speed internet.
Through this fiber network, Khunde Community Club, Khunde Hospital, and Khamjung Secondary School are now all provided with free Internet access. The homes and lodges in these villages will receive discounted fiber internet service during the following phase.
According to Chairman Shrestha, the high-speed fiber internet would provide the local sherpa population with a wealth of opportunities in the areas of education, health, combating climate change, and generating income.
Additionally, it is intended to set up remote camera security systems in the villages of Khunde and Khamjung. When the sherpa people are away in the winter, the system is thought to be crucial in protecting their house and animals.
Through this fiber-powered Everest Community Network, projects for Sherpa Homestays are also being introduced. Through inviting climbers and trekkers to stay in Khunde and Khumjung villages and experience Sherpa life, the project will promote Sherpa culture and ways of life.