WorldLink Unveils Complimentary Wi-Fi Availability Across 10,000 Public Locations
WorldLink, a prominent internet service provider in Nepal, has been actively expanding its network across the country, reaching various locations including Pashupati, Bauddha, Shankhapark, Balaju Baisdhara, Swoyambhu, Basantapur, Airport, Pokhara, Birgunj Metropolitan Office, and more.
However, the company's ambitious plan to provide free Wi-Fi in 10,000 public places in Nepal faces significant regulatory restrictions. Nepal Telecom and Ncell are currently the only providers allowed to offer unlimited free Wi-Fi hotspots in public places, as per the recent enforcement by Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA). The authority strictly regulates public Wi-Fi services and limits service providers' mobility features in such networks.
Despite these challenges, WorldLink has established free Wi-Fi hotspots across major cities as part of its digital inclusion efforts. The company is also working on organizing internet wires in other places, with the plan from Tripurawar to Maharajganj already underway, and work completed from Tripuraeshwar to Panipokhari.
In a positive development, WorldLink has received a significant investment commitment of $29 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited. This investment aims to expand fiber-optic networks and develop state-of-the-art data centers across Nepal, with a focus on improving digital access especially in remote and underserved regions. This project aligns with Nepal’s Digital Nepal Framework and 16th National Plan to achieve universal internet access and digital inclusion.
Under its Corporate Social Responsibility objectives, WorldLink aims to raise awareness about the use of the internet by providing access to 2000+ students of 39 schools. The company has already completed 52% of the projects in Humla, Jumla, Dolpa, and Mugu districts under package 'A'. In addition, the company plans to expand its services in eight districts of state number 6 and operate the scheme in Lamjung, Tanhun, Parbat, Kaski, and Syangja.
WorldLink has also announced plans for internet access in around 10 rural areas within four months, although no specific locations have been detailed yet. The free Wi-Fi service will be extended to crowded locations such as Chwok, Malpot Office, Park, etc.
In an effort to improve the aesthetics of Kathmandu city, WorldLink will also be working on managing the wires of the internet. The company has recently introduced new standard branded Internet with full services such as Go Ap, Safe Safe, Managed WiFi, and Time back in the current year.
Laxman Yadav, director of Wilddink, has been providing free Wi-Fi service to public sites for a year. WorldLink continues to modify and improve its products to better serve its customers.
While the regulatory hurdles pose a challenge to WorldLink's free Wi-Fi initiative, the company's continued expansion and investment in Nepal's digital infrastructure demonstrate a commitment to digital inclusion and transformation across the country.
WorldLink, in alignment with Nepal’s Digital Nepal Framework and 16th National Plan, aims to extend internet access to 2000+ students of 39 schools as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility objectives.
The company's new project, funded by a $29 million investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited, intends to expand fiber-optic networks and develop data centers, with a focus on improving digital access in remote and underserved regions.
Despite regulatory restrictions, WorldLink has plans to provide internet access in around 10 rural areas within four months, with potential locations including Chwok, Malpot Office, and Park.
To improve the aesthetics of Kathmandu city, WorldLink is working on managing the wires of the internet, and has recently introduced new standard branded services such as Go Ap, Safe Safe, Managed WiFi, and Time.
