Government’s Remote Connectivity Drive Takes 4G To Badimalika As Telecom Equipment Delivered By Army Helicopter

Kathmandu, Nepal: Nepal’s effort to expand digital connectivity to remote and geographically challenging areas has reached Badimalika of Bajura, with Nepal Telecom transporting necessary communication equipment to the region.

As part of the government’s remote connectivity drive, the equipment was delivered using a Nepal Army helicopter after authorities determined that transporting it through regular land routes was extremely difficult due to the area’s difficult geography and lack of road access.

Helicopter Used Due To Difficult Himalayan Terrain

Following the direction of Information and Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina, Nepal Telecom accelerated preparations to establish communication services in Badimalika.

The minister had instructed Nepal Telecom on Shrawan 8 to expand communication access in remote and tourism-important areas and immediately work toward launching services in Badimalika.

The ministry also coordinated with Badimalika Municipality Mayor Amar Bahadur Khadka regarding infrastructure placement and support required from the local government.

After it became clear that transporting equipment through traditional routes was not feasible, arrangements were made for helicopter transportation.

4G Service Expected Soon In 4,200-Metre Region

Located at an altitude of around 4,200 metres above sea level, Badimalika is one of Bajura’s major religious and tourism destinations.

However, the lack of reliable communication services has created difficulties for:

• Pilgrims visiting the Badimalika temple

• Tourists travelling to the region

• Local communities requiring digital services

Nepal Telecom is preparing to introduce 4G mobile services in the area after completing installation work.

Weather Challenges Delayed Equipment Transportation

Nepal Telecom Sudurpaschim Provincial Directorate Director Brijesh Sharma said unfavourable weather conditions delayed the transportation process.

According to Sharma:

• Nepal Telecom had been attempting to transport the equipment since Shrawan 18.

• Poor weather conditions prevented earlier helicopter flights.

• The technical team deployed for installation had to return due to weather challenges.

Although the helicopter has delivered the equipment near the destination, further transportation remains difficult.

Around 4,000 kilograms of equipment and materials still need to be carried manually from the landing area to the installation site.

Nepal Telecom expects the service to become operational within around five days after the equipment reaches the installation location.

Expanding Digital Access To Reduce Digital Divide

The government has prioritised expanding communication infrastructure in rural and remote areas to reduce Nepal’s digital divide.

Under this broader remote connectivity effort, Nepal Telecom is also studying the expansion of 4G services to other high-altitude destinations, including the Everest Base Camp area.

Previously, Nepal Telecom had launched 4G services in remote Himalayan locations including:

• Lhans of Dolpa

• Olangchungola of Taplejung

Nepal Telecom Planning Large-Scale Network Expansion

Nepal Telecom has announced plans to invest around Rs 6 billion during the current fiscal year to improve communication services across the country.

The company is also moving ahead with plans to construct around 1,600 new mobile towers to strengthen network coverage.

The expansion aims to connect more remote communities, tourism destinations and rural settlements with reliable digital services.