The History of Inetclub
The Story
of Inetclub: From Cyber Café to AI Chatbot
The Beginning: Hetauda, 1999:
In 1999, when the internet was still an unfamiliar concept in Nepal, two visionaries, Mr. Bikram Shrestha and Mr. Manish Shrestha, took a bold step in Hetauda by establishing Inetclub, one of the very first cyber cafés in the region. With technical support from Vianet Communications and C&C Kathmandu, Inetclub connected its community to the wider world through a C-Band VSAT link a technology that, at the time, was groundbreaking for towns outside Kathmandu
Using the internet back then was considered a luxury. Connectivity cost 5 Nepali Rupees per minute, yet the curiosity and excitement it generated made every minute worthwhile. For many residents of Hetauda, stepping into Inetclub meant stepping into the digital age.
More Than Just a Cyber Café
- Inetclub quickly became more than a commercial venture. it was a community hub.
- It was the place where: People created their first email addresses.
- Young students and professionals browsed websites for the very first time.
- Locals began to understand what the internet was and how it could connect them to information and people far beyond their town.
For many,
this was their first taste of the digital world, and it unlocked opportunities
for communication, learning, and global awareness that were previously
unimaginable.
A Global Connection: Volunteers and Vision
What made Inetclub truly unique was the involvement of international volunteers from the USA. These volunteers worked side by side with Bikram and Manish, guiding the community through their first digital steps helping them create email accounts, learn online tools and realize the internet’s potential to transform lives.
This
cross-border collaboration gave Hetauda not only access to technology but also
a global perspective. By 1999, Inetclub even acquired its own domain name, a
bold statement of its commitment to building a lasting online presence.
The Legacy: A Digital Pioneer
Inetclub’s
formative years were about more than just access. They were about curiosity,
empowerment, and community building. The initiative showed that the internet
was not just a service but a pathway to opportunity. The pioneering work of
Bikram, Manish, and the international volunteers inspired similar digital
ventures across Nepal, setting the stage for the country’s broader
technological growth.
Rebirth in 2025: From Café to AI Companion
Honoring this legacy, the Nepal Internet Foundation (NIF) revived Inetclub in 2025 this time as an AI-powered chatbot. The modern version of Inetclub provides instant responses to questions on digital literacy, cyber regulations, and NIF’s initiatives, serving as a digital companion for Nepalis navigating today’s connected world.
Just as the first Inetclub introduced Hetauda to email and browsing, today’s Inetclub helps students, professionals, and citizens understand Nepal’s digital policies, opportunities, and responsibilities in the age of AI.
Connecting the Past and the Future
- The journey of Inetclub mirrors Nepal’s digital transformation:
- 1999: A cyber café charging 5 rupees per minute, where the internet was a novelty.
- 2025: An AI-driven platform, where digital access is widespread and technology shapes daily life.
Back then,
Inetclub was about helping people discover the internet. Today, with 90.6% of
Nepal’s population online (NTA, 2021), Inetclub is about ensuring that everyone
can use technology meaningfully and responsibly.
Looking Forward
Through the vision of the Nepal Internet Foundation, Inetclub continues to stand at the forefront of digital empowerment. From a humble café in Hetauda to a nationwide digital guide, it is a story of resilience, innovation, and inclusion.
Inetclub
is a reminder that the internet is not just about connectivity. it is about
opportunity, knowledge, and progress. It bridges the pioneering spirit of 1999
with the possibilities of today, ensuring that every Nepali can not only access
but also thrive in the digital world.
