Mount Everest gets high speed internet

Nepal-based telecom firm Ncell has launched Nepal's first raft of 3G services at the base camp of Mount Everest.

The network aims to help mountain climbers and trekkers visiting the mountain, who currently have to rely on expensive satellite phones, to stay in touch with civilisation.

"This achievement is as mighty as the altitude as 3G high speed internet will bring faster, more affordable telecommunication services to the people living in the Khumbu Valley, trekkers, and climbers alike," said Lars Nyberg, chief of Nordic telecoms firm TeliaSonera, which owns 80% of Ncell.

Ncell and its investors say they expect to spend over US$100 million to expand its facilities in Nepal next year to ensure mobile coverage to 90% of the Himalayan nation's population.

Source: Reuters