Kathmandu. Dish Media Network Limited (DishHome) and Eutelsat OneWeb have decided to provide free satellite internet service to facilitate communication and internet services in various areas of Rasuwa affected by the massive floods in the Bhotekoshi River.

DishHome has taken this initiative to continue the communication and information exchange in the affected areas after the floods on August 24 caused severe damage to the telecommunication and internet infrastructure in different areas of Rasuwa district.

With the approval and coordination of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority, free OneWeb satellite internet service has been launched in the most affected areas in collaboration with Eutelsat. The service has been made available on a priority basis from September 20.

As reliable communication service is essential for rescue, relief and coordination during the time of natural disaster, the satellite internet service has been made available free of cost to the government offices, security bodies, rescue and relief camps and important coordination centers in the affected areas.

This alternative connectivity provided by Eutelsat OneWeb’s Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology is expected to serve as an alternative to local telecommunications and internet infrastructure damaged by the floods.

According to DishHome, this will help in the exchange of information, real-time coordination and necessary data flow among government agencies, security agencies, local administration, rescue workers and stakeholders involved in humanitarian and relief work.

DishHome has said that providing reliable alternative communication channels is its main priority when traditional telecommunications and internet services are disrupted due to natural disasters. The company has said that it is committed to providing necessary communication facilities to government agencies, security and rescue workers, and affected communities in difficult times.

DishHome will continuously coordinate with NTA, government bodies, security agencies and local stakeholders to assess the need and priorities for connectivity in the affected areas.

The company has pledged to expand satellite internet services to more places of high priority on the basis of need until the complete repair and rehabilitation of communication and internet infrastructure.

This initiative by DishHome and Eutelsat is expected to contribute to the effectiveness of emergency communications, rescue and relief efforts and strengthen the emergency resilience of affected communities through the effective use of technology during disasters.