KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 9 Ncell has begun deploying satellite-powered internet connectivity in areas severely affected by the Bhotekoshi floods, where conventional communication networks have been disrupted. The telecommunications company said the service, powered by Eutelsat's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, is being deployed at critical locations identified in coordination with government agencies involved in rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations. The satellite connectivity will provide free internet access at flood-affected communities, relief and holding centres, temporary camps, emergency response sites and other locations where terrestrial communication services are unavailable or severely disrupted. According to Ncell, the system has already been installed at three locations in Nuwakot and is being deployed in other flood-affected areas. The technology receives an internet signal directly from a satellite-connected device installed on the ground. The device then provides Wi-Fi connectivity in the surrounding area, allowing people to access internet-based messaging and calls, critical information and other online services when regular mobile and internet networks are unavailable. Ncell said the service offers high-speed, low-latency connectivity suitable for communication and coordination of relief operations. The company said it has obtained the required approvals from government agencies, including the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, to provide the satellite-powered service. 'Immediate access to satellite communication has been enabled at three locations in Nuwakot, where crucial communication services were severely impacted,' said Dilli Ram Shrestha, chief corporate and regulatory affairs officer at Ncell. He said the service would support rescue and relief operations and help affected communities remain connected. Ncell said it has also been providing free voice, data and SMS services daily to more than 300,000 customers in flood-affected areas since the first day of the disaster. The company has contributed Rs 10 million through the Ncell Foundation to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts. The deployment of satellite connectivity comes as communication infrastructure in several flood-hit areas has been affected by damage to roads, fibre networks and other terrestrial infrastructure.