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Internet in the Everest region
16:03 p.m. EST Apr 13, 2004
It may sound odd, but Internet access in the Solokhumbu, while limited in scope, is faster than most Internet Café’s in Kathmandu. The “Linking Everest” Internet Cafe in Namche Bazaar, along the route to the South Side Everest Base Camp not only has wireless accessibility, but has a high-speed satellite connection.
Base Camp Internet Café
Tsering Gyaltsen, who runs the Café also played a major role in last year’s Everest Base Camp Internet Café. Unfortunately all the gear is locked away for this spring, but Tsering says that it will probably be back, perhaps as early as the fall. Despite the popularity of the BC Internet Café, the biggest problem the project encountered was power surges and malfunctioning equipment due to the cold.
Wireless schools
For Tsering though, the Base Camp Internet project is not his main thing, “The Base Camp internet was a bit of a gimmick, it got a lot of publicity; what I’m really passionate about is the schools!” as his eyes light up. He has already setup Internet access in the school of a nearby town, Thame, and hopes to expand in the future. Through a series of bridges and antennas, the satellite based Internet connection in Namche is relayed to the nearby school where students utilize the connection to learn with a broader curriculum. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from the Namche Café go to the teaching project -the cost is 15 rps a minute. The Base Camp Café was mostly sponsored; however, the school project has so far been mainly funded by Tsering and his business. He welcomes any and all donations for the project.
Staying in the Solokhumbu
Tsering was educated in India and returned to Namche, where his family is originally from. Many others who have left the Khumbu for higher education have not returned. One of the dreams for Tsering is to raise the level of education within the Khumbu by means of the Internet and to also keep those educated minds in the region to help it grow and prosper.
When something goes wrong, he’s got no one in the area to rely upon except himself and his small staff. As a result, Tsering has become very knowledgeable about wireless and satellite technology. Be sure to stop by the Café in Namche to chat more about the school project, the tech, and maybe even a cup of tea or some Dhal Bhat!
The “Linking Everest” Internet Café is located in the heart of Namche Bazaar, just two days stroll from Lukla. It’s 15 rps a minute, and there’s also wireless access if you’ve brought your own laptop and 802.11b card.
ExplorersWeb image of Tsering and the dish that makes it all happen.
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