Mobile service has been launched in Gosaikunda (also spelled Gosainkunda), a popular religious site in the Rasuwa district. Nepal Telecom inaugurated the long-awaited mobile communication service via VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) technology in the remote area from Bhadra 10 to help pilgrims and tourists with connectivity needs.
Abin Khatri, acting Chief of Ntc’s Rasuwa branch, said that the company installed 2G equipment by establishing satellite link to the remote tower. This will now provide users with GSM voice and data services on their mobile devices. The company could also use the same infrastructure to upgrade to 4G later.
VSAT technology uses a small-sized terminal to make connectivity from one place to another over a satellite. Ntc has been using this satellite technology sporadically in remote areas where terrestrial link is difficult to establish. Depending on the feasibility, the company is providing 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile services across the country.
To bring communication to the area, the telecom equipment had to be installed at an elevation of 4,380 meters which was proving difficult. But with the help of the House of Representatives (HoR) member and engineer Mohan Acharya, the telco gears were transported which weighed over a ton.
Nepal Telecom established a mobile tower in Gosaikunda taking into consideration the fair (Gosaikunda Mela). Many devotees flock to the holy shrine of Gosaikunda for the Janai Purnima Mela and other sacred occasions. Therefore, to facilitate communication for the visitors, Ntc started mobile service based on VSAT connectivity in the area.
With mobile communication reaching the remote area, it will have multi-faceted usage. It will help with phone calls, but also be pivotal for rescue operations, calling for medical services, and for tourism as well. If pilgrims fall sick, it will now be possible to quickly call for help by helicopter.
Complex geography is a key factor that has kept many parts of the country still without communication. The uneven terrain makes it difficult to transport equipment, install, and maintain them. However, operators are making efforts for basic communication in every nook and corner. For instance, Ntc uses helicopters to transport telecom equipment in remote areas. Likewise, satellite links are costly to operate and maintain, but by giving priority to services, the company uses VSAT technology to bring mobile services to various remote regions in the country.
The company is also very active in 4G expansion and upgrading at various sites while shutting down WiMAX and CDMA services. There is also a wide range of offers for C-Phone users to migrate to 4G LTE services.
The Ntc mobile tower in Gosaikunda will allow up to 50 people to make calls simultaneously.