Project Title: Feasibility Study of TEIN Connection in All Seven Provinces of Nepal
Project Duration: December 2019 to May 2021
Supported by: Asi@Connect Project (Asi@Connect-19-104)
Nepal’s research and academic institutes have been connected to the Trans-Eurasia Information Network (TEIN), a high-capacity research and education network, since 2010. However, the connection has primarily served institutions within the Kathmandu Valley. To address the limited reach of TEIN across the country, this project was designed to assess the feasibility of expanding TEIN connectivity to all seven provinces of Nepal.
Executive Summary: This feasibility study evaluated the potential to expand TEIN connectivity by identifying suitable research and education institutions, assessing the ICT infrastructure of network providers, and analyzing supportive policy environments. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the study gathered critical insights through virtual consultations, surveys, and policy reviews. The final report includes proposed architecture for a nationwide REN, financial estimations (CAPEX and OPEX), and a sustainability plan.
Key Objectives:
- Identify research and education institutions suitable for REN connectivity
- Raise awareness among institutional leadership about REN benefits
- Assess network provider infrastructure and policy environment
- Propose future REN architecture and sustainability strategies
Key Results and Outputs:
- A comprehensive list of 311 higher education institutions assessed from 1432 campuses
- Identified 137 potential institutions across all provinces for TEIN connection
- 132 high-level officials from 68 institutions sensitized through 13 virtual meetings
- Assessed ICT infrastructure of 8 key service providers
- Policy appraisal covering five key national policy documents
- Proposed future architecture for NREN including PoPs in all provinces
- Developed CAPEX/OPEX budget of USD 3.67 million for expansion
Key Activities:
- Identification of research and education institutions across all provinces of Nepal
- Sensitization of institutional leadership on REN benefits through 13 virtual workshops
- Analysis of institutional potential for REN connection via surveys and consultations
- Assessment of ICT infrastructure and services of 8 major national service providers
- Review of ICT, science, and research policy documents at national, provincial, and local levels
- Feasibility analysis of NREN expansion across all provinces
- Design of future NREN architecture including proposed PoP locations
- Estimation of capital and operational expenditures, and development of a sustainability plan
Impact and Beneficiaries: The immediate beneficiaries were 132 high-level officials (123 men, 9 women) from 68 institutions including universities, colleges, and government bodies. The long-term beneficiaries include students, researchers, and faculty members who will gain access to high-speed connectivity and collaborative research opportunities once TEIN is expanded.
The project has also informed future initiatives, including the proposal for the “Building the Digital Edge Project” approved under the 5th Asi@Connect call. The final report has been submitted to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) for further action.
This feasibility study sets the stage for building a digitally connected, research-ready academic ecosystem across Nepal, ensuring equitable access to global scientific collaborations and resources.