Only in the last ten years has Mount Everest received both cell service and substantial wifi. Prior to this, there were very few developments aside from the launch of satellite phones—still deemed more reliable than any other options. Everest’s summit does have direct line of sight with cell stations on the ground, meaning voice calls are possible if you land the weak signal. But an array of improvements have allowed for tweets and even snapchats elsewhere. And while one would think (and hope) that climbing Everest would lead to a social media reprieve, the addition of wifi and cell service has meant more accurate weather updates and even saved lives.
Internet on Mount Everest
