At a time when the internet plays an important role in delivering daily public services, some rural places in the country are still facing poor mobile network connectivity. One such place is Bartsha-Namgyalgang Chiwog of Dagana’s Kana Gewog. The remote chiwog, which is located quite far from its gewog centre at the moment does not have reliable internet connections for both the Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell.
TashiCell’s voice and internet services are not at all accessible in the area. Similarly, Bhutan Telecom’s mobile internet connection is also not reliable. People in the chiwog, who mostly use B Mobile’s network have to move from one place to another in search of better internet connectivity. People say, having a reliable internet connection will help bring government services closer to the chiwog through online platforms. The chiwog is located around 120 kilometres from the gewog centre.
“TashiCell has installed a mobile tower but it is not at all benefiting the chiwog. Bhutan Telecom’s mobile network is a little better but the internet connection is not working well,” said Rigzin Jamtsho, a resident at Bartsha-Namgyalgang.
“Before the installation of the TashiCell tower, I requested officials to at least improve mobile network connections in areas where there is no reliable Bhutan Telecom network. But after the installation, the cellular connection has not improved,” said Suresh Rai, Bartsha_Namgyalgang Tshogpa.
“These days various activities including filing taxes have to be done online. In the absence of a reliable internet connection, it is very difficult to pay taxes online using mobile banking apps. In such a situation, we have to reserve vehicles to visit relevant offices to file our taxes. This is another challenge for us,” said Rigzin Jamtsho, a resident.
Meanwhile, an official from the Dagapela TashiCell office over the telephone told BBS that the company had installed a mobile tower in the chiwog a year ago. The official acknowledged that it has not benefited the chiwog. He also shared plans to install additional antennas to improve mobile network connectivity.
Similarly, an official from the Bhutan Telecom office in Dagapela told BBS that a resident from the chiwog visited the office and verbally raised the issue.
The office has directed the resident to submit a formal complaint or proposal through the gewog administration but has not turned up as of now. The official assured that the office will visit the chiwog and assess the requirement after receiving the formal complaint.
The chiwog currently has 108 households with over 600 residents.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Kipchu
