BHUTAN TODAY The New Perspective
With the new government having promised free WiFi, people are anxiously waiting for the free service.
The new government has 25 pledges to fulfill in 120 days in areas of economy, education, agriculture and connectivity. The free Wi-Fi and Suung-Joen App are the two most eagerly waited.
In an earlier interview with Business Bhutan, Minister of foreign affairs, Lyonpo (Dr) Tandin Dorji said that the pledges are not difficult to implement. “Our priority right now is to get the 12th Five Year Plan (FYP) and as soon as it is passed, we will focus on the 120 days pledges,” he told the weekly. He also said that the government has started working to align the pledges with 12th FYP and Gross National Happiness Commission has already aligned with most of these pledges.
Jigme Namgyal, a graduate from Royal Thimphu College (RTC) said that establishing free Wi-Fi, access points and allowing free hosting of local contents are most interesting pledges that brought a debate within the country. He added, “If free Wi-Fi can be made accessible in designated public places and tourist spots, it can bring tangible benefits but more importantly, the keen learners will receive the immense benefits.”
A student from Damphu Central School, Karma Tshering Tshomo said that if the Wi-Fi connection is efficient and fast, it will benefit the people starting from young kids who use internet for project works and homework to adults who use it for their respective works. She added, “They won the election with these major pledges, hence it is not a matter of choice but it is expected of them to do so and I sincerely expect the new government to fulfill it”
Gyembo Dorji (32) from Wangdue Phodrang said, “I am eagerly waiting for the free Wi-Fi since it is free.” He also said that it will remove the burden of having to buy recharge vouchers.
For Suung-Joen App, the government earlier said that they have already started working with the Department of Information and Telecom on developing the application. “People can save voucher through Suung-Joen App, an app offering free call and messaging services, entertainment and multi-media,” states the government manifesto.
Chimi Rigzin, 23, said that he is looking forward for its launch. He said, “Even if it has the same features as Wechat, this will be the Bhutanese app that can connect the Bhutanese people.”
“If the application can provide national news and announcements, significant links to various applications of government agencies, it could become more essential application with its existing connectivity features,” said Jigme Namgyal
By Kinley Wangchuk