Bijay Kumar Jalan (In Memoriam)
Fromer Senior Advisor, ISPAN & Co-Founder/Executive Director, Worldlink Communications
Bijay Kumar Jalan (1975–2021) was a visionary entrepreneur and a transformative figure in Nepal’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. As a co-founder and Executive Director of WorldLink Communications, he was instrumental in evolving the company from a small startup into the nation’s largest Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Professional Background & Career
Mr. Jalan’s journey is inseparable from the history of the internet in Nepal. In 1995, along with his cousin Dileep Agrawal, he established WorldLink at a time when the internet was virtually unknown in the country.
Hands-on Leadership: In the early days, he was known for his “feet-on-the-street” approach, often visiting customers’ homes personally to install dial-up connections.
Technological Pivot: When the ISP industry faced a major slump in 2008 due to competition from state-owned ADSL services, Mr. Jalan was a key advocate for heavy investment in optical fiber. This “all-in” strategy saved the company and eventually made WorldLink the dominant market leader.
Scaling the Giant: Under his guidance, WorldLink expanded to serve over 900,000 active consumer accounts and reached 73 out of 77 districts in Nepal, becoming the largest taxpayer in the entire ICT sector.
Leadership in ISPAN
Mr. Jalan was a cornerstone of the Internet Service Providers’ Association of Nepal (ISPAN), serving as a Senior Advisor and Executive Committee member.
Industry Advocate: He was a vocal defender of private sector interests, working to ensure fair competition and advocating for affordable internet access for all Nepalese citizens.
Mentorship: He provided strategic foresight to younger board members, helping the association navigate complex regulatory hurdles and infrastructure sharing disputes with the government.
Philanthropy & Legacy
Beyond his corporate success, Mr. Jalan was a dedicated philanthropist known for his quiet but significant contributions to social causes.
Social Impact: He was a major supporter of the Manavsewa Ashram, a non-profit dedicated to rescuing homeless individuals. His donations were often the catalyst for opening new branches and facilities for the underprivileged.
CSR Pioneer: He integrated Corporate Social Responsibility into WorldLink’s core mission, focusing on bridging the digital divide by connecting remote villages like those in Karnali and around Phoksundo Lake.