It’s been over 900 days and counting, and the Suung-Joen app has still not materialised. The app was one of the most hyped pledges of the government to be delivered within 120 days from the day the government was formed. The app boasts of providing free access to online data within the country such as browsing websites, online shopping, BBS and downloading document by installing intranet technology. However, the information and communications ministry said that it is still working on it during the Annual Performance Agreement (APA) presentation yesterday.
During the winter session of the National Assembly in January last year, the opposition party raised concerns over the government not providing the free WI-FI services to the people as pledged. However, information and communications minister Karma Donnen Wangdi said free Wi-Fi will come as a package in the Digital Drukyul Flagship programme benefiting everyone. Lyonpo said the flagship programme included in the 12th Five Year Plan will cover the Suung-Joen app too. “We have pledged to provide the service and we will provide it in our tenure as the government,” Lyonpo added then.
However, during the APA presentation yesterday Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said that free WI-FI will not be able to reach all Bhutanese. Instead, it will be made available only in public spaces where people are likely to spend their time.
A budget of Nu 300 M was proposed for the implementation of free WI-FI and Suung-Joen application.
Tshering Dendup
