Case Study: Nepal Wireless Networking Project
The Nepal Wireless Networking Project
serves as an excellent example of
how a community-based project can be implemented with few resources,
but through a display of local leadership and vision was able to
challenge existing policy frameworks to allow for the use of innovative
technologies to provide ICT access to poor communities. The project
illustrates how low-cost and easy-to-maintain wireless networks can be
used in harsh and remote locations to provide telephone and internet
access to dispersed communities. Under local leadership and with strong
community support, local communities are able to provide much-needed
communications services as well as other types of services that are run
as small businesses (communication centres) or as community services
(telemedicine, school networks). Strong local capacity building efforts
in ICTs have resulted in the development of a cadre of local experts
who can provide technical assistance. In addition, the advocacy efforts
of the local champion, Mahabir Pun, resulted in the government changing
its restrictive telecoms policies that previously prohibited the use of
wireless networks, while also dropping the costs of licences to under
USD 2.
Back to main menu