Nepali wireless operator Ncell and Swedish carrier TeliaSonera have constructed the first 3G wireless network for Mount Everest. The pair built a network at an altitude of up to 5,200 meters that blankets the Everest basecamp area and extends all the way to the summit of the world’s highest mountain. The proof is in the pudding and Ncell CEO, Pasi Koistinen, told reporters in a Kathmandu press conference that “Today we made the (world’s) highest video call from Mount Everest base camp successfully.”
Previously, visitors to Mount Everest and climbers making the infamous and dangerous ascent could only connect to China Mobile’s network to make voice calls from the Chinese side of the mountain. Satellite phones are also available but the satellite connection is often unreliable, slow, and extremely costly. This new network includes eight base stations installed in the area of Mount Everest, including one at the local airport which has an altitude of a mere 2,700 meters. The Ncell network opens up a wide range of new possibilities by bringing voice calling and 3G mobile broadband to Everest and its surrounding area.
Not content with Everest, Ncell and TeliaSonera have plans to cover 90% of Nepal with wireless coverage by the end of 2011. The Swedish carrier will dump over $100 million into this ambitious plan which will be spearheaded by its Ncell subsidiary. Full press release is on page two.
[Via Reuters]