30th May 2023, Kathmandu
High-speed Internet now available at Khunde and Khamjung villages of Solukhumbu
In joint efforts of the Nepal Internet Foundation and Internet Society, the Everest Community Network has been upgraded in the Kunde and Khamjung villages of Solukhumbu.
On the 70th anniversary of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edand Hillary climbing Everest, the highest peak in the world, these two villages are now connected with high-speed fiber optic cable.
The inauguration ceremony of this fiber optic network took place in Khumjung School. Mr. Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary, attended the program along with Mrs. Helen Clerk, the former Prime minister of New Zealand, Mr. Naveed Haq, Regional Director of the Internet Society, Mr. Bikram Shrestha, President of Internet Foundation Nepal, Mr. Laxman Adhikari, Chairman of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Ward No. 4; and many 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 villages. Through wireless technology, the network provided internet access to the Khumjung school and the Khunde community club.
With the expansion of fiber, the residents of Khunde and Khamjung and climbers coming to these villages will experience high-speed internet access, said Bikram Shrestha, president of Nepal Internet Foundation.
Khamjung Secondary School, Khunde Hospital, and Khunde Community Club are now connected to the Internet for free through this fiber network. In the next phase, fiber internet will be provided to the homes and lodges in these villages at subsidized rates.
Chairman Shrestha informed that the high-speed fiber internet would open a bundle of opportunities to the local sherpa people in education, health, climate change, and income generation.
There is also a plan to install remote camera security systems in Khunde and Khamjung villages. The system is believed to be important in protecting their home and animals when the sherpa people are away in winter. Sherpa Homestays projects are also being introduced through this fiber-powered Everest Community Network.
The project will promote Sherpa culture and lifestyles by inviting climbers and trekkers to stay in Khunde and Khumjung villages and experience a Sherpa life.
