NEPAL — In a bold move to modernize one of the world’s most remote locations, Mount Everest’s summit has officially been equipped with Wi-Fi, just in time for the 2025 climbing season. Now, mountaineers can upload their summit selfies in real-time, without ever having to disconnect from the digital world.
“Climbers have always wanted to document their achievement, but cellular service has been notoriously unreliable up here,” said summit Wi-Fi installation coordinator, Tenzing Sherpa. “Now, with high-speed Wi-Fi on the summit, they can share their triumph with the world as they’re standing on top of it.”
High-Speed Connectivity at 29,032 Feet
For $5,000 per minute, climbers can now access the state-of-the-art Wi-Fi service provided by EverestConnect, which promises speeds that are “fast enough to upload a 4K video in under 30 minutes” at the top of the world. The service, available at select points throughout the climb, will allow mountaineers to connect to Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to post their summit pictures with hashtags like #JustSummited #ClimbingWithWiFi and #WiFiOnTopoftheWorld.
“We’ve seen people struggle to upload their summit photos in the past,” said Everest Connect spokesperson, Ram Baral. “Now, you can instantly post your summit selfie, live-stream your victory, or check your email while staring at the snow-capped peaks. It’s a whole new world up here.”
Summit Selfie Revolution
Social media influencers and adventurers alike are already lining up to take advantage of the service. “This is a game-changer,” said digital nomad and influencer, Emma Kline. “I’ve been planning this climb for months, and now I’ll be able to post on my stories as I’m on top of Everest. It’s about documenting the experience in the moment, not just when you get home.”
But the new Wi-Fi service isn’t just for climbers seeking validation. Many of the guides and Sherpas have also found the technology useful. “I use the Wi-Fi to check weather reports and communicate with base camp,” explained Dorje, a veteran guide on Everest. “It helps us make sure the team stays safe and informed. Also, my mom loves getting video calls from the summit—it makes her feel like she’s there too.”
Summit Selfies: A New Trend
Mountaineers have already begun documenting their record-breaking selfies, with some climbers already breaking records for the quickest upload time to social media. “I took my summit selfie and had it posted within five minutes,” said Pete Stevens, who reached the summit last week. “It wasn’t even that cold, so I didn’t even have to wear gloves. I just wanted to make sure it was up before the next climber hit the top.”
Many climbers are also using the Wi-Fi to check in on their families, with some reportedly spending more time on their phones than taking in the views. “I sent my wife a selfie and told her I made it,” said Robert Lee, who summited with a group of friends. “It was nice to share the moment, but also kind of surreal to be chatting with her while standing at the top of the world.”
Criticism of Wi-Fi on Everest
While many climbers and adventurers are excited about the technology, some purists have voiced concerns. “This is supposed to be about a personal, introspective journey, not about likes and shares,” said adventure photographer Michael Holt, who has made several attempts to summit Everest. “The moment you have Wi-Fi, it just feels like you’re losing the essence of the climb.”
Environmentalists have also raised concerns about the impact of more visitors, with more people sharing their summit achievements on social media likely leading to an increase in foot traffic to the mountain. “Wi-Fi might bring people to the top, but it could also bring more pollution and strain the environment,” said environmental activist Sanjeev Shrestha.
Future Plans
EverestConnect has already begun plans to expand Wi-Fi coverage to other parts of the mountain, including base camps and other popular climbing routes. “We’re excited to bring connectivity to the highest point on Earth, but we’re also mindful of the environmental and cultural impacts,” said Baral. “We’re working closely with local communities to ensure the infrastructure is sustainable.”
While some purists continue to argue that Everest should remain a place for solitude and self-reflection, it seems that for many modern adventurers, the summit selfie is as important as the climb itself. With Wi-Fi now available at the top of the world, it’s clear that social media has officially reached new heights.