Even after all these years of 2G service, the lack of effective services including internet has affected the daily lives of locals.
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Local residents are facing problems due to the lack of effective communication services in the remote Shey-Phoksundo rural municipality of the Himalayan district of Dolpa. Despite the launch of 'Digital Nepal' programs by various governments, Upper Dolpa is still limited to the 2G network.
In 2076 BS, things got a little easier after Nepal Telecom expanded 2G services to various places in Upper Dolpa. But even after eight years, 4G services have not been expanded there. Even after all these years of 2G service, the daily lives of locals have been affected by the lack of effective services including internet.
Locals complain that due to the weak network, even the towers that are in operation are disrupted for weeks during cloudy weather or snowfall.
Vice-Chairman of the rural municipality, Pemma Wangchen Gurung, says, 'It is sad that our area is still limited to 2G when 5G and 6G are being discussed across the country. The citizens here are deprived of basic communication services.'
According to him, there is still a compulsion to go to the district headquarters for online services, digital transactions and educational activities. Due to the lack of internet, even the work of local governments has been affected. 'There is no alternative to internet service in Upper Dolpa, so 4G or high-speed internet service should be expanded here immediately,' he said.
Although it is reported that the expansion of communication services is being delayed due to the remote geographical location and lack of infrastructure, locals expect a quick solution. Despite repeated initiatives to expand communication services in Upper Dolpa at the district, provincial and federal levels, people's representatives complain that the expected achievements have not been achieved.
While city-centric development continues to be criticized, stakeholders say that the digital divide is deepening due to the lack of basic communication services in the mountainous region.
