Approximately 6 years ago, a wilderness area was tamed with the introduction of wireless 3G on Mount Everest.
This development has the potential to transform mountaineering as we know it. Can you picture a climber nearing the summit, pausing to update their Facebook status?
At least they’ll have a hands-free device to accompany this change. When receiving a call at 35,000 feet, the phone will adhere to their face without effort.
While mobile coverage is now available on Everest, does a phone exist that can handle the extreme cold? Moreover, is there a model with a notably large keypad, considering that a climber halfway up Everest will likely not want to remove their gloves in icy conditions just to hear the other half say, “if you’re not home tonight…the dinner’s in the dog”?
I can’t help but wonder…what could possibly come next? Perhaps an iPod docking station up there, enabling each Everest conqueror to enjoy some music at the summit.
by Robbo Green
