The 20^th edition of CAN Info-Tech, held at the Exhibition Hall of Bhrikutimandap from January 2-7, 2014, saw an overwhelming response from visitors. It had showcased a variety of technological products. The mega event started with a target to attract more than 400,000 visitors. It did disappoint the organizers.

“CAN is a national event for technology lovers, businesses and students and other concerned people,” said Binod Dhakal, President, Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) to media persons.

Like in the past editions, the major attraction of the fair this time also revolved around laptops, mobiles, tablets, power sources, internet offers and other accessories. The products were presented at discounted prices by the exhibitors from around 100 companies through some 221 stalls.

Not everyone was impressed by the CAN fair. The urban youth, especially those who are accustomed to seeing the usual products on a regular basis, expected some intriguing technological products rather than the regularly available products.

“Although the crowd was overwhelming, surfeit of laptops and other gadgets were presented at the exhibit, which didn’t attract much of my interest. I expected a lot more from a national fair like CAN rather than some business houses trying to make money,” said a student at the CAN fair.

However, in a country like Nepal where technological revolution is still taking pace, CAN Info-Tech did provide a major boost in attracting the people’s attention towards new technological innovations and helped add technological awareness.

One company which didn’t lack behind in introducing new technology was Subisu Internet Service Provider, the title sponsor of the 20th edition of the event. Subisu launched a few new technologies such as fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) internet and IPTV (internet television).

“It is a new technology in the domestic market. There are special packages up for grab for the interested people,” said Sudhir Parajuli, CEO, Subisu Cable Net.

IPTV was big draw for the visitors. IPTV allows people to watch television at high definition (HD) and only with the help of internet connection. People can enjoy HD TV on their television sets, or their mobiles or tablets, according to Subisu.

However, people have to wait a bit longer to enjoy television through the internet as Subisu is yet to receive license from the government and is planning to launch IPTV by around mid-2014 if everything goes smoothly.

“We have applied for the permission to operate IP TV service at the Ministry of Information and Communications. We are planning to start this service as soon as we get the permission. At CAN Info-Tech, we showcased demo on IP TV service,” said Parajuli. “With the existing rules, we are finding it very difficult to introduce new services quickly, the government’s licensing rule must be revised to facilitate companies like ours,” he added.

Neoteric Nepal launched a tablet under its own brand name — Neo. “The hardware is made in collaboration with a Taiwanese company, but they have been designed especially for the Nepali market,” said Sanjay Golchha, managing director of Neoteric Nepal, the authorized distributor of products from brands like Nokia, Dell and HP, among others.

“We need collective efforts by the government and the private sector to develop the information technology sector,” said Vice-President Parmananda Jha, at the inauguration of the event.