17th May 2022, Kathmandu
The Nepal Academy of Science and Technologies (NAST) created the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) bus to bridge the country’s access to current technology.
The country’s first Mobile Information Access Centre was built by NAST with support from the Korean government and debuted at the CAN Infotech 2022 conference last month in Kathmandu. This bus is technologically advanced.
It offers everything from Wi-Fi to computers and projectors, as well as an IT lab. Nast created the bus as an ICT mobile laboratory under the Information Access Center with the assistance of the South Korean government.
The technology bus will go to districts, particularly rural regions, to provide individuals with training and hands-on experience with the most recent developments in information and communication technology (ICT).
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According to Dr. Rabindra Dhakal, Head of the Faculty of Technology at the NAST, the science organization has already spoken with four provinces – Sudurpaschim, Karnali, Gandaki, and Lumbini – and got good reactions.
However, there is still skepticism among subnational governments about the new facility’s actual use and impact. “As a result, we want to develop it as a model project.” Our South Korean IT partner shares our sentiments. “It’s a type of test drive,” Dr. Dhakal explained.
The NAST intends to execute a couple of test rounds of the facility in designated regions during the initial phase.
The IT bus was created to reach out to places and people that do not have access to information technology. The air-conditioned bus has WiFi, a laptop, a projector, a screen, an electronic podium, a printer, a visualizer, a sound system, a speaker, and a bathroom, and it can seat 18 people for just a little conference.
The IT-enabled bus costs Rs. 15 million to develop, with around Rs. 7 million invested in various ICT equipment placed in it. “It contains everything an IT lab should have,” Dr. Dhakal explained. He insisted that at least seven buses – one for each segment – will be used in the first phase.
According to the NAST, the bus will be vital in connecting young innovators around the country to the National Innovation Digital Network, which has been in operation for some time. The network allows innovators to register accounts, update their profiles, and form partnerships on their initiatives.
According to Dr. Dhakal, the NAST seeks to reach out to rural regions of the country via a mobile bus and assist bridge the gap between the learned and illiterate in the field of ICT.
