The government will invest around Nu 400 M to improve mobile network coverage and internet services in 40 villages. The work is expected to begin within the current financial year. The Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment shared this during the question hour in the National Assembly yesterday.
According to the Minister, the eighth phase of the Rural Connectivity Programme will cover villages in Lhuentse, Samtse, Samdrup Jongkhar, Trashi Yangtse and Monggar. New telecommunications infrastructure will be installed, while existing towers will be upgraded to improve network coverage and service quality.
Namgyal Dorji, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment, said, “Last year, BICMA, in collaboration with local governments, conducted a survey to identify areas with connectivity gaps. Based on the findings, we will focus on two areas when providing services. One is providing network services to communities without connectivity and strengthening existing services in areas with weak connections. Apart from some highland communities, most areas already have network coverage.”
The Minister said the seventh phase of the programme was completed in April this year. It improved 4G connectivity and voice call services for 17 villages across seven districts.
Meanwhile, a Member of Parliament raised concerns about the reliability of internet services in the country.
Tshewang Rinzin, MP from South Thimphu, said, “The government is encouraging digitalisation across various sectors. However, the quality and strength of internet connectivity are just as important as expanding network coverage. With the government also planning to establish a third international internet gateway through Bangladesh, could the Minister update the House on the progress of this initiative?”
In response, the Minister said there has been no progress in establishing the third international internet gateway through Bangladesh.
Namgyal Dorji said, “The third international gateway will provide an alternative connection during natural calamities or if the existing gateway faces disruptions. That is why we have been discussing this for a long time. However, we have not been able to make progress due to certain challenges. It remains a government priority. Meanwhile, the inability to establish this gateway has not affected existing services.”
He added that the government has also introduced Starlink as an alternative connectivity option.
The government says it will continue to expand network coverage while working to improve the reliability and quality of internet services across the country.
Devika Pradhan and Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Sangay Chezom
