Bhutan witnessed impressive progress in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. But the country still has a long way to go. This was highlighted by the Information and Communications Minister during the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Development Forum for Asia and Pacific today. The Minister also emphasised on how the ICT played a critical role in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the ITU Regional Development Forum which began today, Information and Communications Minister Karma Donnen Wangdi shared that the country did not experience any major challenges in the ICT sector due to the COVID-19. Indeed, many learning activities are still happening through online platforms.
“One of the main challenges for us is network congestion. In order to prevent this, our Telecom Operators, using particular timeslots, have started providing special discounts on mobile data packages for students, and have also revised the mobile data package rates for the general public. Till date, Bhutan has been very fortunate and has not experienced any major complications in the ICT sector, due to COVID-19,” Lyonpo shared.
Major initiatives in the field of ICT since the first case of COVID-19 detection in the country includes Druk Trace Application, Check Post Management System, Health Facility System and Essential Goods Monitoring System.
“The Druk Trace app, which is used for community tracing in Bhutan, uses individual mobile numbers for verification purposes, and only valid Bhutanese phone numbers are accepted for registration. QR code for public places, transport, events, etc. can be generated through this application, which helps trace individuals in cases of community transmission,” Lyonpo added.
For now, there are two telecom operators, seven internet service providers and all the Dzongkhags are connected with high-speed fibre optic networks in the country.
Tshering Zam
