The Nepal Internet Foundation and Internet Society collaborated to upgrade the Everest Community Network in the Solukhumbu villages of Kunde and Khamjung.

On the 70th anniversary of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary’s ascent of Mount Everest, these two communities are now linked by high-speed fiber optic cable.

The inauguration ceremony of this fiber optic network took place in Khumjung School. Mr. Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary, attended the program along with Mrs. Helen Clerk, the former Prime minister of New Zealand, Mr. Naveed Haq, Regional Director of the Internet Society, Mr. Bikram Shrestha, President of Internet Foundation Nepal, Mr. Laxman Adhikari, Chair of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Ward No. 4; and many other dignitaries.

The Internet Society implemented the Everest Community Network in Khunde and Khamjung villages last year in conjunction with the Nepal Internet Foundation and the local Sherpa community.

The network provides internet connectivity to the Khumjung school and the Khunde community club via wireless technology.

Residents of Khunde and Khamjung, as well as climbers visiting these villages, will benefit from the fiber expansion, according to Bikram Shrestha, president of Nepal Internet Foundation.

This fiber network has provided free Internet access to Khamjung Secondary School, Khunde Hospital, and the Khunde Community Club. Subsidized fiber internet will be given to households and resorts in these villages in the next phase.

Chair Shrestha stated that the high-speed fiber internet would provide the local sherpa people with a plethora of options in education, health, climate change, and money generating.

There are also plans to install remote video surveillance systems in the villages of Khunde and Khamjung. The method is thought to be vital in protecting their home and animals while the sherpas are away during the winter.

This fiber-powered Everest Community Network is also introducing Sherpa Homestays ventures. By inviting climbers and trekkers to stay in Khunde and Khumjung villages and experience Sherpa living, the project would promote Sherpa culture and lifestyles.