In today’s digital age, internet connectivity has become a crucial aspect of everyday life. The internet can open the door to a vast amount of knowledge and information, keep people connected or simply provide entertainment. Despite its numerous benefits, the internet still remains absent in several places across the country. Dhangkhar village in Zhemgang is one such place where people do not have access to the internet.
Mobile network is so poor in Dhangkhar, that people say it is impossible to find internet connectivity from any place in the village.
The village, which is home to about 25 households, is located just a few kilometres from the Dzongkhag centre.
Despite the proximity to the Thromde, people say the mobile network is very poor and sometimes it is difficult to even make calls on their mobile phones.
“We don’t have internet connectivity and even making phone calls is problematic, although we are near the district centre,” said Tshering Lhamo, a resident.
“We have no internet access and some households do not even have phone call connectivity. In this digital age, people are dependent on the internet but we don’t have internet access in the village. Even the youth don’t want to stay in the village because of this,” said Chimi Kinley, a resident.
“It is difficult without internet connectivity, our children cannot access online study materials and we can’t even communicate with our friends and family in other places,” said Wangmo, another resident.
As a result, some of the residents travel to Zhemgang town when they have urgent online work. According to a telecom official, the village has internet network issues as it is located on a slope.
But the problem is expected to be solved soon. Works to construct a mobile tower in the village have already begun. Bhutan Telecom says the work will be finished in a few months.
Once ready, the office says villagers can enjoy good phone and internet connectivity.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
