”Our youth must end the queues in front of the Canadian and Australian embassies or at passport offices. Creating an environment where they can work and thrive is the need of the hour.”
What you should know
Ncell Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Foley has said that Nepal is 5 to 8 years behind in data network and digital infrastructure development.
Speaking at the sixth session of the Kantipur Conclave, 'Reviving the Economy, Restoring Trust', he mentioned that countries in similar situations have already adopted 5G technology.
According to Foley, 5G technology provides high bandwidth at low cost, which makes content creation (content creators), schools, universities, healthcare, security systems and smart city operations easy and effective. 'Nepal is still 3 to 5 years behind in providing these services in a quality manner,' he said.
Foley said that although the private sector is willing to invest in Nepal, the lack of a clear policy and long-term guidelines has forced it to back down. 'We are ready to invest, but with a three-year license remaining, we cannot inject large capital into the market,' he clarified. He said that if there is long-term assurance, competition in the market will increase, services will improve and costs will decrease.
He also pointed out that this has the potential to attract domestic and foreign direct investment. Foley believes that if Nepal improves its digital infrastructure, new opportunities will be created in the service sector.
Noting that Nepal's geographical location can be used as an opportunity, he said that Nepal, located between India and China, can play the role of a 'gateway' to serve both countries. 'If this government or the next government can bring the right policy, the necessary tools and skills can be provided to the youth here,' he said.
Stating that this will provide opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and future building for the youth at home, Foley finally alluded to the exodus of youth. 'Our youth must end the situation of having to queue in front of the embassies of Canada and Australia or at the passport office,' he said. 'The need of the day is to create an environment where they can work here, where they can flourish.'
