Yak farmers yak it up

Did you see where a local teacher educated at the University of Nebraska recently set up a Wi-Fi network in Nepal for yak farmers? Apparently, the yak farmers’ huts are two days walk from the yak herd-- the minimum safe down-wind distance. Yak farmers now use the so-called YakNet to trade veterinary tips, buy and sell yak, and email orders for takeout pizza. Farmer Puntun regards the new technology with awe, “I just like the word Wi-Fi— it sounds a lot like Hi-Fi.” Another farmer was less impressed, stating: “Wi-Fi, Schmi-Fi. I still have two days walk to the yak. I try to trade for bicycle but college boy says YakNet much better.”

MCI marketers didn’t want to miss out on this wonderful wireless PR opportunity and back-packing boondoggle. They are equipping farmers with the latest AT&T cell phones, including 10 free minutes per month*. The farmers are appreciative, but some wish a better game than ‘snake’ was included with their phones. Others are just thankful they weren’t given a Nokia nGage. “What a piece of crap that thing is,” said one.

The new technology has improved health care, making the annual Running of the Yaks through Kathmandu a safer event. Using YakNet, gored runners are able to report they need medicine, blood, and common sense. Of course it takes five days for Nepal Trauma 1--a two-wheeled cart pulled by a yak named Speedy—to get there.

Yak farmers are also using the Wi-Fi network to trade vet tips. As one farmer explained, “Before I had YakNet, if one of my yaks started bellowing in the night, I would shoot him so I could get some sleep. Now I know from emailing the other farmers the yak probably just had an ear infection. I still shoot him, but I no longer wonder what was wrong. Knowledge provides great warmth during the cold Himalayan nights.”

Article Author: Half Baked

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