Internet now accessible in remote areas of Inner Mongolia

Remote rural areas in Bayan Nur city, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, now have internet access, according to a news report.

According to a proposal in the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), internet access is closely connected to economic growth in rural areas. The national government encourages local governments at various levels to accelerate construction of networks to help tackle poverty.

In May 2016, the regional government began a project to extend network services to remote rural areas.

"Since the internet became available in our village, our income has doubled", said Xue Qing, a 50-year-old farmer in Wubaolige village, Urad Rear Banner administered by Bayan Nur city.

"In the past, when sheep got sick, we had to travel more than 10 kilometers to the nearest telephone booth to get assistance. But now, all we need to do is to take a picture of the sick animal and send it to the veterinarian." 

"We can also share information about lost animals with other herdsmen using WeChat", he added.

Xue Qing is now the owner of a hotel. While he used to make only 30,000 yuan ($4,523) a year, he now earns 70,000 yuan since the internet was made available in the village.

The rural hotel managed by Xue Qing, a 50-year-old farmer in Wubaolige village, Urad Rear Banner in Inner Mongolia autonomous region.[Photo/Chinanews.com] 

A worker installs optical fibers. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

Xue Qing (right) photographs a sick sheep before sending it to a veterinarian for treatment. [Photo/Chinanews.com]