Subisu CAN CommTech 2016

The First CAN CommTech ‘Subisu CAN CommTech 2016’ Ends

On September 8, the first edition of CAN CommTech, named ‘Subisu CAN CommTech 2016 in Association with Samsung’ was concluded at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu. This 4-day exhibition aimed to promote and uplift the information, communication and technology field of Nepal.

We attended the Subisu CAN CommTech 2016 on its closing day. There were different stalls from assortments of categories, as previously mentioned, ranging from hardware dealers to internet providers to security solutions. Samsung, the associate sponsor for the event, was the ‘greeting’ stall. Meaning, as soon as you passed the entrance, you could see people flocking around to have a go at the VR gear. In the entire fair, beside Samsung, the only smartphone brand there was ZTE. Neither of the two brands showcased any new products but had some luring discounts and freebies on their existing products. There was only one laptop stall – Acer from Mercantile. That probably dashed the hopes of people that were expecting to get hands-on experience on new laptops.

In my opinion, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were the best part of the event. As people are looking for faster Internet options at reasonable price (ADSL just does not cut it these days), ISP giants like WordLink, Vianet and Subisu had some interesting offers. For example: Vianet offered free installation, 1-month free Internet, cash discount and free ONU device for yearly subscribers and Subisu clearly promoting its much disliked cable internet and clear TV combo offers.

IPTV was also definitely gaining some major hype at the event. IPTV or Internet Protocol Television is a service in which users can receive television channels along with their Internet. Almost all ISPs now provide television channels along with Internet as a part of their service package.

Vianet and WorldLink announced the launch of their IPTV services in association with NITV Streams Pvt. Ltd, the company behind the app ‘Nettv’, the pioneer of IPTV in Nepal. Likewise, Broadlink has its own IPTV service under the label ‘Broadtv’.

The other stalls in Subisu CAN CommTech 2016 included booths from institutes and colleges like Lord Buddha Education Foundation, Kantipur Engineering College hoped to attract tech enthusiasts. Barcode, Emperor Group, Gadget and Gizmos and quite a few other companies showcased security products, whereas Su-Kam and E-Lite Power System promoted their power solutions. A slight misfit, in my opinion, was Acupressure Health Care System that brandished their acupuncture-related products.

According to Computer Association of Nepal (CAN), the organizer of the event, the event witnessed around 150,000 footfalls in its four day run. So, all in all, it was a successful event by numbers but we felt that CAN can definitely do a much better job. After all, it is the mastermind behind the largest and, arguably, the most popular tech expo of Nepal, CAN InfoTech. Hope the next edition will prove to be more informative and intriguing.