Project summary :

1. Location : Nationwide

2. Executing Agency : Division of Telecommunications

3. Implementing Agency : Division of Telecommunications

4. Estimated cost:
     Recurrent : Nu. 0.00 m
    Capital: Nu. 525.00 m
    Total: Nu 525.00 m

5. Funds Secured : Nu. 0.00 m

6. Financing Gap: Nu. 525.00 m

7. External finance reqd.: Nu. 525.00 million.

8. Status (New/Continuation) : New

9. Documents available: None

Project Objectives

Provide Telecommunication services to the rural masses which comprise of about 80% of the total population, thereby promoting socio-economic development improving health and educational facilities of the rural masses.

Project Description

With the completion of National Network, all District Head Quarters and some Satellite towns will be covered by the Digital Microwave and Switching System. Beginning early 1999, except for few consolidation works, the main thrust of Telecommunication Division in the 8FYP will be to provide rural telecommunication services to the rural areas of the country. This will enable Telecommunication services to achieve higher penetration level. This will allow. This will allow people living in rural areas to gain access to basic telecommunication facilities which will help improve living conditions in rural settlements and bring about a balanced economic growth.

Technical Description

To provide effective rural telecommunication, cellular and wireless local loop technology could be used.

The General System configurations to use three systems. One in Western Region, one in Central and one in Eastern. The hand off point between the three system will have to be worked out during the actual implementation of the project.

On the average, about ten cell sites will be required for each Dxongkhag, which means a total of 200 cell sites will be required for about 90% coverage of the whole country. It should be noted here that site selection will be very critical as the operation will be 800-950 MHz band and line of sight is essential for good communication. The total implementing cost for the rural telecommunication project is Nu. 525 million whereby Nu. 175 million will be required for each system. The cost indicated is very tentative and it will vary with site and the network and the feature required.

Project Impact 

The telecommunication services penetration level will extend to almost 90% of the villages.

Project Management

The project will be managed and implemented by Division of Telecommunications.