Now SPers can stay in touch from Everest basecamp.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101028/lf_nm_life/us_nepal_everest_internet

I can't wait for to hear the bitching about counting on the 3G and not being able to get access or limited bandwidth. "We left our sat gear at home."

Does this mean I can call for a chopper rescue from the Western Cwm?

A successful day in the backcountry is when I don't see another person and there is no cell coverage. Cross EBC off the list for sure.

I couldn't agree more with the previous comments. We have way more than enough cell coverage. Helping the locals would be a much better use of resources.

95% of the foreigners travelling up the valley of the Imja Khola to EBC are wannabes and posers on their adventure of a lifetime. In short the sort of people who need constant attention and, therefore, cellphone coverage to brag to their yahoo friends. Sadly, however, where there's demand, a supplier will inevitably appear, usually to the detriment of folks less fortunate than the "can-you-hear-me-now-where-are-you-what's-the-weather-like" crowd.

As stated above - it's a sad world.

vancouver islander wrote:95% of the foreigners travelling up the valley of the Imja Khola to EBC are wannabes and posers on their adventure of a lifetime. In short the sort of people who need constant attention and, therefore, cellphone coverage to brag to their yahoo friends. Sadly, however, where there's demand, a supplier will inevitably appear, usually to the detriment of folks less fortunate than the "can-you-hear-me-now-where-are-you-what's-the-weather-like" crowd.

As stated above - it's a sad world.

Thats such a sad way to look at people.

radson wrote: Thats such a sad way to look at people.

Perhaps.

A better question: is it an accurate way to look at people?

sergio wrote:They could have used that money to help the people of Nepal, who are among the poorest people on earth. Vaccines and schools are more valuable to me than a cellphone tower. I don't like this world.

It's a Nepali company, so this expansion will likely mean more jobs and investment in Nepal, and also quicker emergency service for the indigenous people. I'm not saying that I like the idea; it's just that there will likely be benefits to Nepalis. The Nepalis may not mind if more people come in and hire Sherpas and porters.

A relatively small donation to organizations like CAI, or a more Nepali-specific one, can buy a lot of help. If you haven't read it already, read "Three Cups of Tea." I find the book gave me a more charitable view of the world, and convinced me that my donations could make a difference. Ten thousand people, donating $200 each with careful stewardship, can alleviate the misery of a lot of people.

I agree with Moapa on this, why is everybody so up in arms about this? and why everybody thinks it's all about westerners? this is a very rugged country where landlines are hard to place, while wireless is the most logical and economical way to build communications. And if a Nepali company can capitalize on the tourist demand, more power to them!

It just seems like the cart before the horse to me.

A large part of the world does not have adequate access to potable water.

A large part of the world is battling hunger.

A large part of the world struggles with education.

Hopefully this new sevice will help the Nepali people, either directly or indirectly, but I doubt that it was their first thought. Given the costs associated with trekking and climbing in the Khumbu, they could charge almost whatever they want provided they can maintain a consistent level of service at least better than satellite phones and satellite modems.

According to wiki: Ncell Private, Ltd. "is now owned in 80% by Swedish/Finnish TeliaSonera Holdings." Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ncell

DukeJH wrote:According to wiki: Ncell Private, Ltd. "is now owned in 80% by Swedish/Finnish TeliaSonera Holdings." Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ncell

Toyota America is owned by Toyota; that doesn't mean there is no benefit to American workers. Companies have to be capitalized. I doubt that 80% the Ncell jobs in Nepal will be taken by Finns and Swedes.

Who do you want to solve the problems you mentioned? Private enterprise is looking for something that will make a profit. Foreign aid tends to be very inefficient per $, and I wouldn't depend on the Nepalese government to put water sanitation at the top of its spending list. Find some organization like CAI and donate; it will make a lot more difference than debating the issue here.

Of course, some clorox would go a long way to solving the potable water issue ( little joke)

i read a couple news reports saying the 3G coverage will reach all the way to the summit. if thats true..... there are already traffic jams on the mountain as it is. the last thing we need it people taking their sweet time to update their facebook status letting people know they're over the hillary step.

I knew there would be some negative comments to this news but I don't see anything wrong with having 3G service on Everest. It doesn't harm anyone, does it?

Western society is based on capitalism. If there is a market demand for cell phone coverage on Everest, then why not provide it?

Using the logic that the money could be better spent on providing clean water, well you can make that same logic in every other country. Why is it ok to have cell phone coverage in the US or Europe and not on Everest? If you really believe that, then get rid of your cell phone and donate your monthly phone charges to any number of charities that help provide clean water worldwide.

sjarelkwint wrote:Don't know if anyone will ever be able to use a smartphone on everest; way too small buttons to use with gloves

A Voice Activated iPhone should solve that problem.

sjarelkwint wrote:Don't know if anyone will ever be able to use a smartphone on everest; way too small buttons to use with gloves

I was playing 'angry birds' at Camp 3. Gets toasty in the tents during the day.