Four years ago, Harsh, one of our co-founders, was visiting Ladakh and looking for a place to stay. He initially found a homestay in the Saboo region, but since it was full, the owners offered him a stay at their homestay in Stok instead. A year later, our other co-founder, Durgesh, visited the same homestay upon Harsh’s recommendation. During his visit, Durgesh noticed the challenges of internet connectivity in the region and initiated a discussion with the homestay owners about our work in providing reliable internet services. This conversation marked the beginning of our efforts to improve connectivity in Stok.
Over time, our work extended to supporting Rabzes, the daughter of the homestay owners, who became the first female ISP in Ladakh. Since then, we have provided stable internet connections to multiple homestays, hotels, and schools in Stok, addressing critical connectivity gaps.
Enhancing Education with Internet Access
Schools like Siddhartha High School and Stok Government Primary School faced challenges due to the lack of internet. Teachers were required to submit student attendance online, but without internet access, they had to leave school premises daily to find a mobile signal strong enough to complete this basic task. This was time-consuming and inefficient. With internet access now available, teachers can complete their tasks more efficiently, and students have access to online resources to support their learning.
Supporting Tourism Through Connectivity
Stok is a popular destination for travelers, including remote workers who rely on stable internet. In the past, poor connectivity made it difficult for tourists to work and for homestay owners to manage bookings and communicate with guests. With improved internet access, homestays and hotels can now cater better to visitors, helping them stay connected and extending their stays, which benefits the local economy.
Positive Impact on the Community
Reliable internet has made daily life more convenient for residents. Families can communicate more easily, businesses can operate more effectively, and students have better access to learning materials. While there is still work to be done, this initiative has been a step toward bridging the digital divide in Stok and similar remote regions.
Our goal is to continue expanding internet access to villages that have yet to experience the benefits of stable connectivity, ensuring that more communities can stay connected and grow in the digital age.