Cellular Phone Service is Coming to Mount Everest

Climbing Mount Everest has never been the least bit easy or safe, but soon, at least it will have one convenience: phone service. China Mobile, the largest of the cellular phone services in China, has recently installed a new cellular transmission station on the mountain and is planning two more stations at 17,060 and 19,095 feet, respectively.

Hiring sherpas and yaks to bring the necessary equipment up the mountain, China Mobile is going to make cellular communication possible for the many climbers who come to try their luck at climbing the world's highest peak every year. Next year, torch carriers for the upcoming Beijing Olympics are going to take the torch all the way to the summit, going up the South Col route of the mountain and descending down the North Col route on their way to deliver the torch to the Beijing Olympic stadium. Considering how very dangerous the feat of taking the torch up to 21,325 feet, this is going to be a major accomplishment. The Olympic phone station site is not permanent, but has been tested for a clear transmission signal then taken down, to be reinstalled before the torch relay in the summer. It's unclear as of yet, whether or not the other two stations will operate full-time or on an intermittent basis.

Having phone service will be a much needed convenience to Mount Everest climbers. The mountain has been the site of many quests to reach its famous peak, and also the final resting place for many unlucky climbers who died from various causes relating to accidents, avalanches, mountain sickness and lack of oxygen. Climbing Mount Everest isn't to be taken lightly, as the climate there is serious business. Most Everest deaths occur during the descent from the summit. The death zone of Everest (altitude above 26,246 feet) is most hazardous and deadly; due to the frigid temperatures, low oxygen levels and high winds. This critical area of the mountain claims the most lives due to its many, extremely dangerous conditions. The phone service wiring will not extend into the death zone but its existence will help with communication when there are emergencies.

Phone service on Everest is seen by some as somewhat of a validation by China for their nearly sixty year control over the neighboring country of Tibet. Whatever the case, China Mobile has pushed cellular phone service where no man has installed before. Hopefully, it will help to save lives and make communication much easier for climbers, their coaches and others who traverse Mount Everest every year. Time will tell.