“As NTA lacks enough manpower and expertise to monitor and evaluate project progress, we decided to hire a consulting company for this purpose. The hired consultant will basically render professional services for evaluation, monitoring and certification of RTDF-funded broadband projects initiated by NTA,” said Min Prasad Aryal, spokesperson for NTA.
With an intention to mobilise RTDF and increase people’s access to internet, NTA has awarded all 18 such projects to internet service providers (ISPs).
Under these projects, ISPs are required to expand broadband internet service in the government offices, particularly in all rural municipalities across the country, schools, hospitals, public places and rural areas of earthquake-affected districts within mid-July this year. NTA nine months ago had signed agreement with companies to expand broadband internet in 11 quake-affected districts. According to NTA, in seven districts, ISPs have completed the expansion. Mercantile Communications has expanded broadband connectivity in Okhaldunhga, Dolakha, Ramechhap and Singhuli via VSAT technology. Likewise, Subisu Cable Net has completed work of 300 sites among 579 sites.
However, NT's report is not satisfactory. As per NTA, more than NPR 16 billion has been collected in RTDF so far. Besides connecting schools, hospitals, rural community service centres, village level administrative units and new urban centres across the country, NTA has been mobilising RTDF for district-level optical fibre network connectivity project through Mid-Hill Highway, establishment or erection of towers including their operation and maintenance, making ICT accessible for people with disability.
Source: THT and Naya Patrika
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