Project: Jhamste Gatsal

Last mile Connectivity: A rural orphange’s first Internet connection

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The Challenge

Bringing and sustaining Internet connectivity to an orphanage in rural parts of Arunchal Pradesh, India

Project

Jhamste Gatsal Children’s Community

Duration

2022 – Present

Members

Volunteers from Jamste Gatsal, Hybrid Internet and Muft Internet Community

Life without Internet

Jamste School struggled with outdated teaching methods, limited educational resources, and poor digital literacy due to no internet access. Teachers couldn’t use e-learning tools or pursue online training, and students missed out on competitive exam prep and global knowledge.

Administratively, communication with external organizations was slow, and resource management was inefficient, further isolating the school and widening the digital divide.

Our Association

After exhausting other options, Jamste School approached us. Multiple telecom providers had attempted and failed to deliver reliable internet here, leaving the school skeptical and disheartened. Despite initial hesitation, they trusted our expertise in connecting remote locations. This began a transformative journey for their students, teachers, and community.

Connectivity Roadblocks

Electricity

Lack of stable electricity means extra steps for a solar + battery deployed networks.

Poor road access

Limited road infrastructure adds significant delays and logistical hurdles

Extreme Weather

Mountainous terrains with extreme weather conditions affects hardware.

Personnel

Difficult to find skilled personnel to troubleshoot and manage the network.

Affordability

Low budgets for the project development and sustained network maintenance.

Hardware Availability

It takes weeks to source equipment from the cities when things break down.

Overcoming challenges

Our approach to enabling and sustaining Internet access at the orphanage

Step 1: Need Analysis
We began by engaging with teachers, caregivers, and students at Jhamtse Gatsal to identify their challenges. Their priorities were clear: access to online educational resources, real-time communication, and the ability to share their stories globally. Reliable internet was essential for education, collaboration, and overall community development.
Step 2: Site Survey
Our team conducted an on-site survey in the remote valley, carefully evaluating technical constraints such as rugged terrain, minimal infrastructure, and harsh weather. We mapped utility points, analyzed line-of-sight for wireless links, and assessed power availability to ensure feasibility and reliability.
Step 3: Network Planning

Leveraging survey insights, we designed a tailored network solution. This included strategically placing wireless access points linked to the nearest BTS, bandwidth allocation for educational and recreational needs, and building a system resilient to the region’s extreme winters.

Step 4: Implementation

The installation process involved setting up routers, antennas, and power systems. The community actively participated, with hands-on involvement and training to ensure long-term sustainability. Students and staff learned about the technology, fostering excitement and ownership of their new connectivity.

Step 5: Training and Handover

We provided the staff with comprehensive training to maintain and troubleshoot the network, enabling them to handle routine issues and scale the system as needed. These sessions turned the community into informed custodians of their digital infrastructure.

Step 6: Monitoring & Support

Post-installation, we monitor the network’s performance remotely to ensure stability and address any disruptions promptly, whether from weather challenges or increased usage. We remain available for ongoing support to sustain their connectivity.

Step 7: Sustaining Connectivity

The impact of this project is visible in its outcomes: students access online learning, staff collaborate globally, and the school serves as a model of digital empowerment for nearby communities. This connectivity is not just about internet access—it’s a lifeline for education, communication, and opportunity.

Outcomes

After bringing Internet access to Jamste Gatsal

Enhanced Learning

The children now have access to educational tools and resources that were previously unimaginable. These include interactive learning apps, online videos, and digital textbooks, which are already boosting their academic performance.

Problem Solving

The children quickly adapted to using digital tools and exploring topics like environmental conservation. Motivated by this, the children took the initiative to start segregating and recycling plastics, contributing positively to their community.

Skill Development

Through their self-driven exploration, the children gained practical digital skills and developed a sense of curiosity and independence. This empowered them to not only adapt to but also thrive in a technology-driven world

Future Plans

After bringing Internet access to Jamste Gatsal

Expansion

Expand the network to neighboring towns and villages.

Advanced Training

Introduce more advanced courses in coding, design, and AI.

Empowerment

Training local teachers to use digital education tools.

“Stable internet has changed everything for us at Jhamtse Gatsal Children’s Community. What was once a struggle—finding spots for donor calls or traveling for basic access—is now seamless. Teachers can work, attend meetings, and access telemedicine. Students can connect with the world and access resources unimaginable before. This is not just progress; it’s a privilege we finally have access to and it’s a new future for our children. “


— Lobsang Phuntsok, Jhamtse Gatsal Children’s Community.