Internet Society Nepal: A Comprehensive Guide to Nepal's Internet Landscape

Nepal's internet landscape is a complex and rapidly evolving field, with Internet Society Nepal playing a crucial role in its development.

Internet Society Nepal was established in 2005 with the aim of promoting internet development and use in Nepal.

The organization has been instrumental in advocating for internet policies that support Nepal's economic growth and social development.

Internet Society Nepal has also been working to bridge the digital divide in Nepal by increasing internet access and adoption in rural areas.

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The Internet Society Nepal has a strong foundation, thanks to its founding members who brought diverse perspectives to the table.

Eswari Prashad Sharma was appointed as the President, a role that set the tone for the organization's leadership.

Hempal Shrestha, the Vice President, brought technical expertise to the table, representing the Technical Community.

Babu Ram Aryal, General Secretary, and Shreedeep Rayamajhi, Secretary, both came from Civil Society, providing a unique perspective.

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Bikram Shrestha, the Treasurer, was from the Private Sector, ensuring financial stability.

Ananda Raj Khanal, a Government representative, and Gaurab Raj Upadhyaya, another Technical Community member, were also part of the founding team.

The founding members also included Kishor Panth, Saugat Shrestha, Basanta Karki, and Anusha Josh, all from the Private Sector and Technical Community.

Founding Members of ISOC Nepal:

In Nepal, connectivity is improving, especially in rural areas. The Nepal Internet Foundation, led by Bikram Shrestha, built a community network in Khunde, connecting the Community Club and Edmund Hillary School to the internet via a wireless link from the Hotel Everest View.

Mobile internet coverage is also expanding, with 89% of the population having access to at least one device with 4G mobile internet.

The community network in Khunde was not an easy feat, as the team faced challenges due to the extreme climate in winter. They had to work in short intervals, taking breaks during the rain.

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A fiber network was deployed in May 2023 to reach every home in the village, improving and expanding connectivity. This was made possible with the help of additional funders, including Broadpeak and 48percent.org.

Locals dug a 2.3-kilometer trench to bring fiber all the way to the villages, raising bandwidth from 10Mbps to a maximum of 100Mbps. The fiber network was completed on 29 May, an auspicious date: Everest Day, which celebrates the first summit.

Internet exchange points (IXPs) are also playing a crucial role in Nepal's connectivity infrastructure, allowing registered networks to connect via an IXP.

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Internet penetration in Nepal has been steadily increasing, with around 40% of the population having access to the internet in 2020.

The country has made significant progress in expanding internet services, particularly in urban areas where 75% of the population has access to the internet.

Mobile internet usage has become increasingly popular, with 85% of internet users in Nepal accessing the internet through their mobile devices.

This shift towards mobile internet usage is likely due to the widespread availability of affordable mobile data plans and smartphones in the country.

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The internet is revolutionizing the way we access education and tourism opportunities. Improved connectivity is making it possible for people like Zigme Gombu Sherpa to stay connected with their families and communities.

Zigme's story highlights the challenge of balancing tradition with modern opportunities. He wishes he could stay in the mountains, but he sees a better life in Australia.

The internet is bridging the gap between rural and urban areas, making it easier for people to access educational resources and job opportunities. This is a game-changer for communities like Khunde, where young people like Zigme are eager to make a difference.

In fact, improved connectivity is changing the way people experience tourism. They can now access information and resources online, making it easier to plan and book trips.

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Most internet users spend around 6 hours and 58 minutes online daily.

Internet services are widely used for communication, with 4.1 billion people using the internet to send emails, make video calls, and use social media.

The average person checks their phone around 52 times a day, with many of these interactions being related to internet services.

Online shopping is a growing trend, with 1.9 billion people shopping online in 2020.

Internet services are also used for entertainment, with 2.7 billion people watching online videos daily.

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Locally cached content is a game-changer for people in Nepal, where it's possible to access the top 1000 websites through an in-country server or cache.

This means that users in Nepal can load websites more quickly and efficiently, even if the websites themselves are hosted outside of the country.

Locally cached content can make a big difference in online experiences, especially for people with slower internet connections.

By caching content locally, users in Nepal can enjoy faster loading times and a more seamless browsing experience.

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In Nepal, the internet landscape is dominated by a few major players. WorldLink Communications Pvt Ltd holds the largest market share at 33%.

The top Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nepal can be seen in the following list:

These ISPs play a crucial role in shaping the country's internet infrastructure and services.

The market for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) is highly competitive, with the top five ISPs in the US serving over 90% of the country.

There are currently 7 major ISPs in the US, including Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast, which have a combined market share of over 70%.

The US has one of the highest rates of broadband adoption in the world, with over 90% of households having access to the internet.

The majority of households in the US subscribe to a single ISP, with an average of 2-3 devices connected to the internet at home.

The average monthly cost of internet service in the US is around $50-60, with prices varying depending on speed and data caps.

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In Nepal, the internet service provider landscape is dominated by a few key players. WorldLink Communications Pvt Ltd holds the largest market share at 33%.

Here are the top ISPs in Nepal by market share:

This concentration of market share among a few ISPs has implications for internet users in Nepal.

In Khunde, a hospital serves 9,000 people, offering a wide range of medical services from vaccinations to deliveries.

Dr. Mingma K. Sherpa, a local doctor, has a personal connection to the hospital, having been born there and inspired to pursue medicine by volunteer doctors who worked there.

Patients in need of further consultation often struggle to connect with colleagues without a reliable internet connection, highlighting the importance of better connectivity in the region.

The hospital in Khunde is a lifeline for the community, but its isolation can make it difficult for doctors like Dr. Mingma to access the resources they need to provide the best care possible.

Nepal's population as of 2024 was 29,651,054. The country's unique situation as a least developed country and a land-locked developing country presents its own set of challenges.

The Internet Society has been actively working in Nepal to improve internet resilience, giving the country a score of 45% - a medium capacity to withstand unexpected faults or challenges.

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In terms of internet accessibility, 69% of the 1000 most-visited websites can be reached on a local server or cache in Nepal, exceeding the Internet Society's target of 50%. This is a notable achievement.

Here are some key classifications for Nepal:

Nepal's security preparedness score is 44.99 on the 2023 Global Cybersecurity Index, indicating room for improvement in this area.