Nepal Telecom has successfully launched telephone service via Visat technology in Ranisain, a border area connecting Humla, Bajura, and Bajhang districts. This significant development aims to improve communication in one of the country’s most remote and challenging terrains.
In the Saipal Himal region, about 20 kilometers below Ranisain at an elevation of 5,500 meters, residents could previously only rely on mobile service. Now, thanks to this new initiative, around 600 residents in the Ranisain area will have easy access to telephone services. Technical Assistant Ram Bahadur Khati confirmed this advancement, noting that the service started following local resident Sonam Lama’s successful application to operate the telephone service using Visat technology.
Nestled in the lap of Saipal Himal, Namkha and Ranisain are areas primarily used for grazing (Charicharan). These regions experience snowfall for over six months each year, making human habitation impossible during this period. However, the introduction of this telephone service at an altitude of approximately 3,600 meters will significantly benefit the residents of both Humla and Bajura.
Transporting the necessary equipment for the Visat service operation was a considerable challenge. The equipment was carried from Tanjakot Zimana in Humla to Ranisain over the course of four days, highlighting the logistical difficulties faced in such remote areas. This effort aligns with the government’s policy of extending telecommunication services to rural and extreme areas, ensuring even the most isolated communities are connected.
This year alone, Nepal Telecom has expanded Visat services to other remote locations, including Tinkar in Darchula, Gosainkunda in Rasuwa, and Kimathangka in Sankhuwasabha. These initiatives underscore the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering greater connectivity across Nepal’s diverse and challenging landscape.
The successful implementation of telephone services in Ranisain marks a crucial step forward in improving the quality of life for residents in these high-altitude areas. With better communication infrastructure, these communities are now more connected to the rest of the country and the world, paving the way for further development and integration.
What is VSAT Technology?
VSAT is a satellite communication system that serves home and business users. It uses small, portable ground stations to send and receive data via satellite, making it an ideal solution for remote locations.
Components of a VSAT System
- Satellite: A geostationary satellite that remains fixed relative to a position on Earth.
- VSAT Dish: A small satellite dish installed at the user’s location to transmit and receive signals.
- Hub Station: A larger earth station that connects the satellite network to the internet or public switched telephone network (PSTN).
- Modem: Converts digital data into a signal suitable for satellite transmission and vice versa.
How VSAT Technology Works
- Data Transmission: The user’s data is sent from their device to the VSAT modem.
- Uplink: The modem transmits the data to the VSAT dish, which then sends it to the satellite.
- Satellite Relay: The satellite relays the signal to a hub station on Earth.
- Downlink: The hub station processes the data and sends it to the internet or PSTN.
- Reception: For incoming data, the process is reversed, with the satellite transmitting data to the user’s VSAT dish and modem.
Benefits of VSAT Technology
- Remote Accessibility: Provides communication services in remote and rural areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
- Scalability: Easily scalable to accommodate more users or higher data rates.
- Reliability: Offers a dependable connection, often with a high uptime, which is crucial for remote operations.
Applications
- Telecommunications: Provides telephone and internet services in remote regions.
- Business Continuity: Ensures reliable communication for businesses operating in isolated areas.
- Disaster Recovery: Provides emergency communication services when traditional infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.
- Military and Government: Offers secure and reliable communication for military and government operations in remote locations.
