Apr 15 2009
Communications on Everest
As we stay at Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,300m, it’s amazing that we are able to keep in touch with sponsors, family and friends in Singapore. Thanks to SingTel, our link back home remains strong via internet connection and satellite phone communication. 
Before we came here, helpful SingTel staff spent a day with us to explain how to use the Immarsat BGAN Wideye Saber 1 system which allows us to get online via satellite connection. This means we’re able to access the internet right here from Everest Base Camp! The BGAN system proved to be very easy to use, and every morning, we spend less than 5mins setting it up before internet connection is ready. 
Another great thing about the BGAN system is that it consumes very little power. With the limited amount of sunlight we get here (since weather is always erratic), it is still sufficient as a power source for the system to work.
Iridium satellite phones are another means of communication we rely on for connection back home. Hearing voices from back home proves to be a real source of support for us here at Everest Base Camp, and it’s also a great source of comfort for our families and friends.
4 responses so far
Dear climbers. You rock! My class has submitted some ‘all the best’ comments for all of you. Take a look! Cheer!
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8475820996136810240&postID=4851883308170702827&isPopup=true
taken from ,
http://5r09.blogspot.com/2009/04/one-giant-leap-singapore-womens-mt.html
Hi Magnificent 6,
Thought this might bring the smile to your face when the going gets real tough.
AUSSIE POETRY
The Australian Poetry Competition had come down to two finalists; a
University graduate and an old aboriginal. They were given a word,
then allowed two minutes to study the word and come up with a poem
that contained the word.
The word they were given was ‘TIMBUKTU’.
The university graduate stepped up to the microphone and said:
Slowly across the desert sand,
trekked a lonely caravan
Men on camels two by two
Destination – Timbuktu.
The crowd went crazy! No way could the old aboriginal top that, they
thought. The old aboriginal calmly made his way to the microphone and recited
Me and Tim a huntin’ went
Met three whores in a pop-up tent
They were three, and we was two
So I bucked one, and Timbuktu.
NB: If any hackles be raised,
Let too my effrontery be razed.
My thoughts are still focussed on your Everest endeavour.
Here in Singapore a bunch of local women are smarting and protesting after having been voted out of their posts in AWARE. Then, when I think of the trials that your expedition has gone through and is still facing, I’m warmed by the fact that there Singaporean ladies like you who can confront tremendous odds with a minimum of fuss.
I endorse Errol’s sentiments.
The ladies who were blindsided by the new team were taken completely unAWARE.
The magnificent 6 know what they are in for, and readied themselves masterfully to face all eventualities.
Like Errol, I cheer on these brave hearts as they go forward and upwards to face the awesome challenges nature hurl at them.
The summit is beckoning you ladies. Go get it!