Last year in the peak summer, my colleagues and I were on a 19-day tour on foot to Soe, Lingzhi and Naro Gewogs. This was a life-changing trip for us, as we saw places and experienced cultures like never before. As we descended the steep and rugged terrains and made our way to Naro–a two-full-day trip–we crossed paths with a group of young men. Unlike us, they didn't have a caravan of horses, and their loads were tied to their backs. Knowing how expensive it is to hire porter ponies for this trip, I immediately thought of our privilege. What I can remember noticing first from the encounter were their attires–the sky-blue polo t-shirt and baseball caps and the familiar Tashicell logo on them. They were a group of contractors and workers making their way up to Lingzhi for a maintenance job. Their pace was swift, and after a short conversation, they continued northward without wasting any time. 

Lingzhi was as remote a place could get on this earth, like its sister Gewogs, Soe and Naro. There was no motorable road, and the journey was through an endless wilderness. And yet what was almost mind-boggling to me was the region's electricity and mobile phone connection. To forget the pains in our feet and the struggle to breathe in the mountain air, our horseman indulged in video calls with his loved ones at every rest break. My colleagues and I went Live on Instagram, showing off the views of the mountains in front of us. 

Mobile connectivity in the remote pockets of Bhutan is a gift that not many of us realise – it is an integral part of achieving the nation's digital transformation. However, it is challenging; most times, it's not a feasible business venture for cellular companies to expand their service to rural areas. Yet, they remained steadfast in their commitment to connecting every village with internet and phone networks. The young men we met were a testament to a new digital age; their resolve to get the work done amidst the hardship and scarce resources was worthy of praise.

As of 2022, Bhutan has an 87% penetration of mobile connectivity. However, even today, many rural and isolated settlements do not enjoy the internet and phone calls like the rest. 
Rugged terrains, inadequate road connection and sparse population characterise these areas. Further, using diesel fuel as the power backup is also not feasible due to Bhutan's emphasis on environmental preservation. Moreover, the traditional mobile network cannot be deployed in these areas, and planning a radio frequency is extremely difficult on the mountain. Another hurdle in those areas is the absence of electricity – not to mention the colossal capital for infrastructure development. 

Despite the hurdles and moral dilemmas, cellular companies like TashiCell are doing their best to keep up with the needs of the hour. For example, TashiCell teamed up with a network company, VNL, to provide 13 rural locations with low-power base station-beaming GSM voice and data signals, which impacted around 20 villages and 2000 citizens. Furthermore, as Bhutan's only private cellular company, TashiCell is providing an alternative to the users and relieving the network congestion; the tariffs for talk time and data have drastically reduced due to market competition.
As the remote and isolated pockets connect with the rest of the country and contribute to rural development, the nation benefits in the larger picture. 

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Transforming Rural Communities

Dechen Wangdi 

As the world gets smaller, so are the technologies around us. For example, when the Internet evolved in the early 2000s, users had to connect to the Internet using leased line connections. But today, in the fast-changing technological era, spaces, substances, and objects are produced in smaller sizes yet efficient in their performance. 

Internet connection devices such as MiFi, a pocket-sized product used for internet connectivity, are gaining popularity. The reason why it is fast sold more in the market is mainly because of its size, convenience and affordability.  

The MiFi device is as light as a feather. The device can even fit women's fancy pouches. This device can be the best travel partner mainly because of its size and efficiency. Moreover, the apparatus shall not add weight to your luggage or backpack, creating room for packing other stuff. 
A MiFi can be an excellent investment if you travel often or just need constant connectivity.

It needs no power/electricity connection to turn for a certain period of time. MiFi has built with a powerful 1500 mAh battery and intelligent battery-saving mode. It allows you to play for a more extended period of time. Moreover, if you are searching for ways to preserve your phone's battery life, MiFi can be an intelligent investment. Using cellular data will require more battery life than your MiFi.

Unlike lease line internet connections, MiFi users can insert a SIM (which will be provided free of cost), turn the device on, and carry it around for the Internet. The best thing about MiFi is that the users can create their own Wi-Fi zone and access the Internet at home, in the office, on trips, or anywhere they go. 

The device can be used by more than one individual. In fact, it can connect up to 16 Wi-Fi devices allowing you to share your Internet with your friends and family and enjoy your time with them. You can opt for MiFi as an Alternative to Home Wi-Fi Service. Internet connectivity from MiFi can sometimes be faster than from Wi-Fi or mobile internet hotspot. To use this product, you will need to download Huawei HiLink App. It can be managed using HiLink App on your smartphone. This will make your device management more convenient.

Last but not least, the initial cost of the MIFI is Nu. 4800/- inclusive of freebies for both Prepaid and Postpaid MiFi customers, which is worth the internet investment. You get 25,975 MB of data FREE per month with 30 days validity for 6 months from the date of purchase.

 If you have any queries, kindly contact 7700 (24*7)
Email: info@tashicell.com

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REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD OPT FOR MIFI- DEVICE

Tshering Denkar

Tashi Infocomm Limited is the first private cellular company in Bhutan. Since incorporating in 2007 and launching GSM services in 2008, the company has made a significant stride in the cellular network space in the country. However, providing good network connectivity has been a considerable hurdle due to the country's rugged terrain, which makes it challenging to lay fibre optics cables and the high cost of infrastructure development. 

TashiCell is aware of these challenges and the struggle of its users in accessing their services. Therefore, we asked some users for honest feedback on the network connectivity to get a good view and understanding of the current situation. 

One of the advantages of TashiCell was the reliability of its network connection. Namgay, a 26-year-old female, has been a TashiCell user since 2018. "I use my phone as a cellular Wi-Fi device, which has powered countless virtual meetings, especially over the pandemic and many hours of Netflix binge sessions. The network has been reliable, and the customer service never failed to please me."

Kinley, a 25-year-old content marketing professional, said he switched to Tashicell after facing network challenges from his earlier cellular company. He said internet service had improved significantly over the years, and he never had to consider changing to other phone networks. However, Kinley pointed out facing connection issues while travelling and on the road. Network connectivity works best when one resides in towns and areas closer to network towers. "As I work remotely, often there are no Wi-Fi services in the cafes and restaurants, and I rely on the phone's cellular hotspot. With TashiCell, I have not faced any issues and have always relied on their reliable network for all my virtual meetings," Kinley said. 

Euphel, an employee at a firm, has been a TashiCell user since 2020. While completing her undergraduate degree during the pandemic, she relied on TashiCell for all her online classes. Although the internet connection was stable most of the time, with a few issues initially, she found the internet service costly. "I remember using up a data plan for Nu 777 in a week while attending my online classes. Also, as a student, it was challenging. However, overall, TashiCell has been a good experience both for the internet and calls except for a few times I didn't get connection in underground bars, restaurants, and high-altitude areas." Euphel also finds the exclusive offers through TashiCell mobile application and the giveaways attractive. As a result, she regularly takes part in giveaways and bonus offers. 

Gyeltshen, a 26-year-old videographer, started using TashiCell's 5G portable routers for one of his projects. "The 5G network speed was exceptionally useful while uploading and downloading heavy videos from google drive. As my mobile device didn't support a 5G connection, the router was an easy and affordable option for me to access 5G." However, he added that the data package for the router feels more expensive and only lasts for part of the month. 

A grade 12 student residing in a remote Dzongkhag had a slightly more mixed view of TashiCell network connectivity. She said, "The Tashicell internet and network is reliable for people around the urban areas as the company offers 5G and the connectivity of both 5G and 4G LTE advanced, faster internet speeds, better coverage, and low latency. 
However, the network connectivity in the villages, including the 5G internet connection, could be faster. The data plans provided by the company were quite affordable earlier, but now the prices have soared, making it difficult for poor students to access the internet."

Time and again, the high cost of the internet was a recurring point in the feedback; however, some users also witnessed a generally high cost for the internet from other cellular companies, too. There was unanimous feedback on the friendly and efficient customer care services. TashiCell was also notably a favourite among the content creators in the group for their reliable and stable internet connection. Nonetheless, the article helped us understand the diverse user experiences and provided avenues for improvement and further development. 

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TashiCell network connectivity 

Online banking has often been the seat of some scary fraud and scams. Such cons are usually made easier due to the ease of online banking or inadequate precautions, making you and your money vulnerable. However, using a secondary e-wallet like eTeeru could answer all your concerns. Here are the top five reasons to hit that download button for eTeeru mobile application from the App Store. With easy accessibility and familiarity with a physical wallet, enjoy feeling safe online while shopping and paying all your bills.

1.	Security: eTeeru knows the risk and understands your anxiety while using mobile banking in front of prying eyes and shady sites. That's why the information stored in eTeeru is all encrypted, making it impossible for scammers and thieves to access your money. So, rest assured and no need to get cold feet when completing a transaction at any shop. 

2.	Save your money: Ever happened to you? You got your salary, and poor budgeting resulted in a deficit at the end of the month? Even the best of us has experienced that, right? Some people are even apprehensive about banking apps, fearing mindless and impulsive spending. eTeeru, in the traditional sense, is a wallet where you can deposit just what you plan to spend. So it can go well with your budget planner. Allow us to explain - set a monthly spending threshold and deposit in your eTeeru account accordingly. At the same time, you could use your net banking for other essential banking transactions. Remember! Banking apps and e-wallets are fundamentally different in design – the first is made for banking, and the second for daily shopping transactions. And wallets should carry just enough to get you through the month. 

3. Walk Regret-free: eTeeru can save you from shedding some fat tears. Even if you lose anything, you lose less and can walk regret-free. Moreover, only a physical wallet can be stolen, not an e-wallet, since the login and security details are only known to you. While using e-wallets like eTeeru, data transmitted via mobile wallets for payments doesn't communicate the account number. It is a safe bet that scammers wouldn't be able to steal your banking details.

4.	Glitch free: All banking apps work well; in most cases, you may not want an e-wallet if you have net banking that works perfectly. But Banks have rainy days, and so do e-wallets, including eTeeru. So what do you do when complex glitches and system downs occur due to heavy traffic? With all the perks of using an e-wallet, you could also have an alternative. Most people use more than one banking app for this reason, which of course, needs more than one bank account. eTeeru saves the hassles and can be connected to your banks but still are independent of their system. Further, getting started is as simple as downloading an app and creating a user account – all through your mobile devices.  

5.	Children's pocket money: It's certainly not easy for you or your banks to open an account for your children; your values and the banks' policies have valid reasons for that. In the digital age, young children could enjoy the pros while avoiding the cons; as parents and guardians, it's your responsibility to create a safe environment for your children – both physical and online. Another perk of e-wallets is that the users don't need a bank account, making it a perfect alternative for young children. Guardians can deposit into their account and give children the freedom to spend and manage their own money – of course, all within the appropriate limit. You could also cash into your eTeeru by paying at the nearest customer care and our agent.

So, if you're still not an eTeeru user, it's time to weigh in on all the perks and get started. Download eTeeru today. For
android users click <u>https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sixdee.wallet.tashicell.consumer&hl=en&gl=US&pli=1</u>
For iPhone users, click <u>https://apps.apple.com/bt/app/eteeru/id1496103184 </u>


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Top five reasons why eTeeru is your best friend 

Hello!

I am Tshering Denkar, aka Denkars Getaway. 5 years ago, I started my journey as a travel blogger and later became a content creator. As much as my passion keeps me on the road, I must equally commit my time to work from the established workspace.


I started my office with many interns and office colleagues, a space for the content creators. What was important for me and my colleagues was to produce and come up with great content, and the internet service was the most needed facility and service at the workspace. The fast internet speeds are crucial! Since we deal primarily with visual content in the form of videos, we needed stable and reliable internet connectivity. That was when I was first introduced to Tashicell Leased line service. 


Now, what is an internet leased line? It’s a Wi-Fi facility with a dedicated, fixed bandwidth, symmetric data connection that allows users unlimited Wi-Fi internet at the speed users subscribe for.


As a startup content creator, I was worried that the internet leased line charges could be over my budget, but upon my inquiry to Tashi Cell service center (which is 24*7 support), I came to know of the different packages of Leased Line services. TashiCell provides Leased Line services for small and more significant businesses. There are the premium and standard packages with a one-time set-up cost of Nu.2500 which is non-refundable. The minimum subscription rate is Nu.1350 for 2Mbps and they give 25% additional bandwidth, which means that it is Nu.540 per Mbps. Find the packages in link below;


[https://www.tashicell.com/leased-line/internet-leased-line-rates](link)


One of the best things about Internet Leased Line is their affordability and customer support, which is ideal for homes and small businesses. To add on, they provide service level assurance. However, for all good things to happen, it takes time. Similarly, to fix the Leased Line, a technical team from TashiCell came for inspection upon our request to see the feasibility at our workplace. Within few days, TashiCell Leased Line was set up at our office.


In my workplace of content creators, once we have availed 5Mbps Internet Leased Line, our productivity in posting content on social media platforms, live streaming on Facebook and YouTube, and sending large files online was faster and consistent. Another best thing is that the time we took to upload and download contents online was similar to the time we usually take using our phone data. Our productivity and efficiency at work was backed up by unlimited Internet Leased Line services. If you are a savvy person working with other 3 colleagues TashiCell leased line with minimum monthly package of 2.5Mbps is commendable.


It was worth availing the internet leased line from TashiCell. I have been using another great product and service from TashiCell and I shall write about this particular service in my next blog article.


Visit their nearest customer care centre or call 7700 (24*7) to know more.

Featured Posts

Transforming Rural Communities

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By Tshering Denkar

TashiCell network connectivity

By Dechen Wangdi

Top five reasons why eTeeru is your best friend

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TashiCell Internet Leased Line

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