Everest Climber calls from Summit: Gets voicemail

Posted May 23, 2007 at 01:07 PM by JG Mason

Section: Communications, Cellphones, Gadgets / Other, Lifestyle

Apparently there is cell service at the top of Everest.  Forget the troubles you have getting a signal just 1 hour outside of NYC; Everest is where you need to be.

The first call was made by climber Rod Baber on May 21 in the early morning.  Unfortunately for the climber, he got voicemail.  But it was all a marketing play for Motorola, so Mr. Babers message could be spread and we could all be amazed at Motorola’s ability to grant cell coverage when and where they want.  After getting voicemail, the British climber then called and woke up his wife and kids.

In the usual 15 minutes climbers can spend at the top, Mr. Baber was able to send a text as well (probably fearing some punk with a Sidekick would be right behind him).  Contents of the text message were not revealed by the BBC, but probably read, “going 2B late for dinner”.

Kudos to Mr. Baber for getting Motorola to underwrite the trip.

Listen to the call [BBC] Read [BBC]