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CYBER CAFES |
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CYBER CAFES |
Easier Access A growing number of people
are surfing the Internet By THAKUR AMGAI Until a few years ago, words like Internet,
e-mail, browsing, search and chat were the preserve of the elite. A privileged few with
access to a personal computer and the rare Internet connection could surf the net. Those
interested in latest developments in information technology kept track of the World Wide
Web through books and magazines. For an overwhelming number of Nepalis, the Internet
simply did not exist. A majority of Nepalis are still aeons away
from the Internet, but things are changing. Cyber cafes are mushrooming in the cities,
where a growing number of students, professionals and tourists are going online.
The growth of commercial centers is
benefiting those with a computer and an Internet connection as well. "I have a PC and
my own net password, but I come to the cyber cafes because it is much more cheaper here
than it is from home," says Krishna Tamrakar of Naya Bazar. Cyber cafes around Thamel provide Internet
access for as low as Rs.20 per hour. In some cities like Birgunj, the cost has gone down
to Rs. 15 per hour with refreshment for clients who are online for more than an hour. For those without their own PC, cyber cafes
are the only alternative for surfing, sending and receiving e-mail and chatting. The
per-minute rates for international telephone calls that are on offer might sound absurdly
low at first. Once the novelty wears off, they have become a popular means of
communication for many users. Commercial Internet centers are serving
people from various age groups, occupations and backgrounds. For their part, clients are
going online for a variety of purposes, ranging from scholarly research to sheer
recreation. People are finding it easier to keep in
touch with relatives, friends and, sometimes, even strangers, who may be on the other end
of the planet. E-mail has gained popularity as a reliable, fast and a cheap means of
communication. "I receive 300 mails each day," says B.K. Shrestha, director of
the Memorex Institute. "If I had to reply to each one by post, I would need at least
Rs. 1,000 a day. The introduction of e-mail has been a boon to me both economically as
well as in terms of efficiency," he says. Many professionals, especially those
involved in fields requiring regular correspondence, would find their work impossible had
it not been for the convenience and speed of e-mail. Furthermore, a large number of people
are spending their leisure time on the net. "Chatting online is my favorite
pastime," says Alisha Shakya of Thamel. "I spend two hours a day surfing,
mailing friends, and chatting with different people," she says. That is something a growing number of
youths in urban areas are doing these days. Boys and girls have adopted online meetings as
a regular activity of life. "See you online tonight" is what a lot of
friends are saying these days before departing school or college. Although they have been
together for most of the day, they do not go to bed without talking again through the
machine. New relationships are being established
through the Internet all the time. Dating through the net has become a regular feature
these days. Acquaintances made online have often led to marriage. This reporter has seen
people chatting on the net meet their chat friends inside the cafe a few moments later.
The fascinating thing about these relationships is that they often last long. Cost and
operational efficiency has made cyber culture an integral feature of our global village. |
Send your feedback to the
editor: spotligh@mos.com.np |
