Nepal Wireless Networking Project: A Sustainable Solution for Connectivity

The Nepal Wireless Networking Project is a remarkable initiative that has brought connectivity to remote areas of Nepal. This project was launched in 2004 by the Nepal Wireless Networking Project (NWNP) with the goal of providing internet access to rural communities.

The project uses a mesh network topology, where each node acts as a repeater, allowing the signal to be relayed to other nodes and extending the coverage area. This approach has proven to be highly effective in reaching areas where traditional wired networks are not feasible.

One of the key benefits of the NWNP is its ability to provide internet access to communities that were previously disconnected. In fact, by 2009, the NWNP had already connected over 100 villages, providing internet access to thousands of people.

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The Nepal Wireless Networking Project has a clear vision for its future and long-term goals. The project aims to acquire additional resources to improve and extend distance education and telemedicine programs.

One of the key goals is to run electronic commerce training programs in the villages, which has already shown promising results with some villages producing e-commerce initiatives that promote tourism in the region. These programs have helped develop mechanisms for online money transfers.

The project also aims to improve the quality of Internet connectivity, which is crucial for providing reliable services to rural communities. Currently, the project charges a small service fee to the communication centers to cover operating costs, ensuring the sustainability of the network.

To achieve its goals, the project relies on local stakeholders, such as local businesses, community organizations, and individual community members, who are engaged in the creation and management of the network. This approach has proven to be effective, with over 200 villages already connected to the network.

A key factor in the project's success is the training of local technicians for the technical sustainability of the network. This allows the community to expand the network when necessary and troubleshoot problems in a timely manner.

Here are some key strategies for achieving the project's goals:

The Nepal Wireless Networking Project is an impressive feat of technical innovation.

The project's development of wireless network infrastructure was spearheaded by Mahabir Pun in 1996, who used the school's Web site to attract volunteers and collect materials for the school.

Two small hydro-generators installed in nearby streams were used to power computers donated by people in Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Wi-Fi-based wireless connectivity was established between Nangi and a neighbouring village, Ramche, in 2002.

By 2008, the project had connected 42 villages across eight districts to the Internet, including Myagdi, Kaski, Parbat, Makawanpur, Dolakha, Palpa, Bajhang, and Khumbu region.

The project received support from numerous institutions and technology firms, including the Donald Strauss Foundation, the World Bank, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Most rural and remote communities in Nepal face significant challenges, including poor infrastructure and a lack of skilled personnel.

Mobile phone services have now reached around 90% of the population in Nepal.

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Governments can access universal service funds to support community networks and make them sustainable, but this has not happened yet in Nepal.

The Nepal Wireless Networking Project (NWNP) has shifted its priority from communication services to public services, such as e-education and e-health, due to the introduction of ICT-related services by local governments.

NWNP is now working with eight local governments to develop user-friendly web-based applications and mobile apps that will improve the lives of rural populations.

The NWNP project has learned several key lessons, including the importance of understanding the local context and securing the involvement of local and international actors and communities.

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In Nepal, the government policy for wireless networks was very strict during the launch of NWNP due to a Maoist insurgency, making it illegal to import and use wireless networking equipment.

The import and use of wireless networking equipment was made possible with the help of international volunteers and university students.

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NWNP successfully lobbied with the association of internet service providers (ISPs) and demanded that the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies on the ISM band be de-licensed, which was granted by the government in September 2006.

To become an ISP in Nepal, a huge licence fee was required, but NWNP's lobbying efforts led to a new law that made the licensing procedure simple and reduced the fee to just 100 Nepalese rupees (around USD 1) a year for rural ISPs.

W4C is a remarkable initiative that brought broadband connectivity to 14 remote villages in Nepal. It was launched in 2015 in partnership with the Nepal Wireless Networking Project.

The project connected 12 schools and 3 health clinics using wireless networks powered by solar panels. This was a game-changer for the villages, which didn't have prior access to broadband connectivity.

Point-to-point backhaul links were established between base stations and villages using fiber cable and unlicensed spectrum bands. In Gorkha and Lamjung, the 5.8GHz band was used, while in Sindhupalchok, the 2.4GHz band was used.

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Shared devices were provided to some health clinics and schools to aid Internet adoption. These devices helped community members access the Internet and use various applications and services.

The initiative also equipped Community Learning Hubs with ICT equipment, including computers, photocopiers, and scanners. These hubs were equipped with solar power systems for backup power.

The project provided training to operators of Community Learning Hubs and community members on using the equipment and various Internet applications. This training helped community members make the most of the Internet connectivity.

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Nepal's government policy was very strict when NWNP was launched due to a Maoist insurgency, making it illegal to import and use wireless networking equipment.

The country's government de-licensed the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies on the ISM band in September 2006 after NWNP lobbied with the association of internet service providers.

A huge licence fee was necessary to become an ISP in Nepal, but NWNP lobbied the regulatory body, the Nepal Telecommunication Authority, to reduce the fee.

The NTA issued a new law that made the licensing procedure simple and reduced the fee to just 100 Nepalese rupees (around USD 1) a year for rural ISPs.

These regulatory changes helped community networks to easily get licences in Nepal and provide internet access and IT services in rural areas.