Mount Everest now covered under mobile phone network

Mobile phone networks are being installed virtually everywhere to enable travellers to keep in touch with their family, friends and work. Until recently hostile terrains amidst the icy Himalayan peaks were inaccessible by mobile phones forcing mountaineers to use the more expensive satellite phones.
But now no more, China Mobile, Asia’s largest mobile company has established and successfully tested a Mount Everest mobile phone base. Adventurers and mountaineers who are attempting the world’s highest peak will stay in range of calls and text messages throughout the ascent. This news was published in Chinese media on Wednesday.
Sited at an altitude of 6,500 metres (21,450 feet) above sea level, the station was basically established to facilitate communication for the bearers of the Olympic torch, which Beijing 2008 Games organisers plan to carry to Everest’s summit reported the state-run China Daily.
Since the weather conditions were very harsh the station’s key equipment was immediately packed away after the test. The station will start functioning around may when the torch visit will happen.
The station will be operated by China Mobile, the country’s largest mobile phone service provider and is the world’s highest cell phone base.
According to company sources, the station will remain operational during mountaineering season and other times will be closed. This is the third station built on the route to the top of the world. The earlier two stations had ensured limited connectivity but now the third station has enabled mobile connectivity all along the route upto the very top.
This is third step by China in the direction of improving tourism infrastructure in Tibet and Himalayan regions of neighbouring Nepal. The first was the rail link to Lhasa, then came the road to Everest base camp and now the mobile station. These activities coupled with China’s aggressive marketing of their country among tourists and travellers will ensure an increasing number of visitors to the Beijing Olypics next year and the flow will continue further too.
Source: Indiatimes
Tags: Mount Everest, Mountaineers, Satellite Phones, China Mobile, Beijing Olympics, Travel