𝐃𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝑻𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔

By Tshering Yangden

Dagala, one of the remotest Gewog under Thimphu Dzongkhag gets Bmobile network service early this month with the installtiopn five network towers. It is expected to benefit 280 residents settled across five chiwogs namely Chamgang Toey, Chamgang Maey, Wangdrog, Doondrog, and Gyaltala with 95 percent network coverage. Of the five chiwogs, three chiwogs namely Wangdrog, Doondrog, and Gyaltala has been facing a significant challenge due to the lack of network service in its chiwogs.

According to Dagala Gup, Gado, the residents of Wangdrog, Doondrog, and Gyaltala has been struggling with limited access to communication, which hampers their ability to share information and, more critically, to seek timely medical assistance. The lack of network connectivity makes it difficult for people to inform others in emergencies, leaving them isolated in times of need. Additionally, those who fall ill are unable to contact health services quickly, resulting in delays in receiving medical care. “The issue has been a major concern for residents, who feel that their safety and well-being are compromised due to the absence of reliable communication services,” said Gup Gado.

Morever, the absence of reliable communication discouraged younger generations from returning to the village after completing their education. Gup Gado added, “Many youths were unwilling to work as yak herder without the ability to stay connected to the outside world.” The semi-nomadic residents of Dagala primarily depend on yak herding for their livelihood. They can now stay in touch with loved ones and access vital information swiftly as this technological advancement has not only improved their quality of life but also strengthened their community bonds.

For years, residents of the three chiwogs relied on word-of-mouth communication to stay connected, often delivering messages door-to-door. However, the recent introduction of reliable network services has revolutionized communication in the region. Gup Gado shared that the primary motivation behind launching network services in the region was to encourage youth to return to their villages after completing their education, to herd yaks.

In the future, he explained, if a yaks get lost, the use of location-tracking features in the mobile phone could assist in finding it. “If a yak strays into others property, herders would be able to send photos to each other for identification and communication,” said the Gup.

Prior to the introduction of this network service, the region had limited network coverage offered by TashiCell Tower. The Gup said that TashiCell’s network has been beneficial but it did cover some key areas.

Since 2018, there have been plans to expand network services across these three chiwogs in Dagala but only in 2022, funding was approved for the project. Today, both TashiCell tower and B-Mobile tower is available for network services improving connectivity for residents and herders alike.

Kinga Zangmo, a Tshogpa of the Dagala gewog shared insights into the challenges faced during the installation of the new network services in the region. She said that after the contract for launching the network was awarded to the contractors, one of the biggest hurdles was the transportation of equipment. Due to the remote location, the contractors had to transport materials manually and also by horses. She said, “Using helicopters was not a feasible option, as it would have incurred excessive costs.” This logistical challenge slowed the installation process, but despite these difficulties, the project was successfully carried out, bringing much-needed network coverage to the area.

Kencho Gyeltshen, a yak herder claimed that the network has a significant impact on his daily life. Before the network, Kencho was not able to use his phone. Thus he said that he was not able to get timely information. He said, “But now, whenever I feel bored, I can watch videos on Facebook and We-Chat.” Simultaneously, residents also get timely health services, news services on the critical issues in the country through various socialmedia platforms. “Thanks to the Bhutan Telecom network, we can now seek help from each other by calling,” said Kencho.

Rinzin, a resident of Wangdro Chiwog recalled walking several miles to make urgent calls to his family members living afar. Now, he has access to better communication service with the new network tower installed.

The network is also expected to cater better services to the tourist as the Gewog is also a popular tourist destination. The five towers provide improved network service, allowing tourists to stay connected while exploring the area.

“Visitors can capture stunning photographs and easily share them with friends and family. In case tourists lose their way or face any connectivity issues, the enhanced network service ensures they can quickly get help and find their way back,” said Gup Gado. Bhutan Telecom installed a B-mobile network service in Dagala Gewog on November 17, 2024.