The W4C programme in Nepal was launched in the aftermath of the Gorkha Earthquake in April 2015, in partnership with the Nepal Wireless Networking Project, an initiative of Mahabir Pun, awardee of the Maysaysay Award and Internet Society’s Jonathan B. Postel Service Award.
Wireless technologies can provide cost-effective Internet connectivity to dispersed communities located in challenging terrain like Nepal. Innovations in wireless technology and the increasing efficiency of solar energy systems combine to provide a feasible and sustainable connectivity solution in such environments.
In the first phase, the programme built wireless networks and connected 12 schools and 3 health clinics in 14 villages in Gorkha, Lamjung and Sindhupalchok districts. The community clinics have been connected to the Kathmandu Model Hospital, which provides telemedicine services to rural areas. There is plan to build the community’s capacity to use the Internet for e-agriculture, e-banking, e-learning, e-health and rural innovation.
This report provide an update of the W4C programme in Nepal as of May 2016.