Free Wi-Fi service launched at Gongabu New Bus Park

KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, has inaugurated free internet service at the Gongabu-based New Bus Park in Kathmandu.

After assuming office on Ashoj 6, Minister Kharel had pledged to expand access to free Wi-Fi in key public spaces across the Kathmandu Valley.

Speaking at the inauguration event today, he informed that free internet service has now been installed at 19 different locations within the Valley, including the New Bus Park.

“In line with my commitment made during the oath-taking, we have begun providing free public internet service. Gradually, this initiative will be expanded outside the Valley as well,” Minister Kharel said.

He stated that the government is working to expand reliable internet services not only in urban centers but also in remote regions. “We have already extended internet facilities to locations such as Darchula, Bajhang, Jajarkot, and the Tilicho Base Camp in Manang. Efforts are underway to improve network quality in Solukhumbu, Ramechhap, Rautahat, Myagdi, Baitadi, and other areas with weak connectivity,” he added.

The government has set a target to provide free Wi-Fi services in the capitals of all seven provinces. Minister Kharel emphasized that necessary initiatives are being taken to ensure accessible telephone and internet services in both remote and urban settlements across the country.

Communication Secretary Radhika Aryal highlighted the need to expand internet capacity throughout Nepal, considering the growing technological development, available resources, and rising public demand.

Chairman of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, Bhupendra Bhandari, informed that free Wi-Fi service has already been installed at several significant public sites, including major hospitals in Kathmandu, the Pashupatinath Temple premises, and Tribhuvan International Airport.

Chair of Lhotse Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd., Deepak Kunwar, expressed confidence that the launch of free Wi-Fi at the New Bus Park will greatly benefit travelers and the general public.

According to the Authority, maintenance, quality enhancement, and capacity upgrades have been conducted at locations where Wi-Fi was previously installed, while eight additional sites, including three currently under construction, are in the process of installation.

Similarly, work is underway to expand services at the Transport Management Offices in Ekantakuna and Thulo Bharyang.

With Minister Kharel’s recent initiative, free and efficient Wi-Fi services will now operate at New Bus Park, Bhaktapur Hospital, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Kirtipur Hospital, and Tribhuvan International Airport.

Nepal Telecom, WorldLink, and Vianet have agreed to collaborate to ensure continuity and sustainability of the free Wi-Fi services.

Meanwhile, Minister Kharel is scheduled to inspect the functioning of the internet service at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj, Pashupatinath Temple, and Tribhuvan International Airport later today, the Ministry stated.