The base camp of Mount Everest will soon be a site for Nepal for the creation of free WiFi zones in the region. Located at an altitude of 5, 360 metres (17, 600) feet, the base camp will become the highest location with an availability of free WiFi services, which will also prove to be helpful in rescue efforts during any contingencies.
Mobile and landline services have reached out towards the base camp through Nepal's telecom service providers, overshadowing the use of expensive satellite phones. However, the use of mobile phones atop the 8, 848 metres high Everest still appears to be a far- fetched fancy.
Mountaineering news portal Himalayanglacier has pointed out that WiFi services tend to become more expensive as one ascends, along with services such as food and lodging.
“You can buy credits amounting to ½ GB of internet from Everest Link at around $8 in a place called Machermo. Once you reach the base camp, purchasing WiFi comes at a very high cost of around $5 per hour…,” the portal states.
Digambar Jha, chairman of state-run Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), said in Kathmandu on Wednesday that the regulator plans to set up free WiFi zones along the trials of Lukla-Everest Base Camp area and Annapurna Base Camp. “We will expand this service in other areas too,” he said.
Jha also added that the WiFi service will operate on the “Okumura Model”, which uses low-cost optical fibre cables for high-speed internet. Special optical fibres resistant to extremely cold weather and icefall will be used for the service. “We have already discussed the project with the International Telecommunication Union, and they are also positive about providing such facilities,” he added.
Besides easing communication, tourists and other users can send photos, videos and messages that will help boost tourism, Jha said.
Accidents and rescue missions
The harsh climatic conditions coupled with high altitudes pose serious hindrances to rescue efforts in case of accidents, turning out to become costly affairs for the government and tourist entrepreneurs. The absence of proper communication media only adds to these woes.
Therefore, to ease rescue efforts through WiFi services, the authorities are determined on being open to other options besides optical fibres: if the latter do not work at high altitudes, other technologies such as micro-wave will be used to provide the WiFi service.
