Singapore , 19 May 2009 – Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) today announced it has been providing complimentary satellite solutions to Singapore’s first women’s Mt Everest team as they prepare for their final ascent to the summit.

 

The climbers will be able to share their progress via pre-defined SMS and email updates from 6,500 metres and above as they scale the world’s highest peak.

 

To ensure they have a vital communications lifeline as they make the climb, the team will be using Singtel’s new state-of-the-art AITrac tracking solution to monitor the precise real-time location of each team member. This will provide family and friends with peace of mind by allowing them to track the team 24/7 via a secure, password-protected website.

 

Each member will be wearing Singtel’s SPOT personal tracking devices. Capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, these devices allow them to send distress signals and call for assistance in case of an emergency.

 

Mr Ted Hoong, boyfriend of team member Ms Lee Li Hui, said, “I worry about Li Hui every day and I constantly wonder if she is safe. But when she sends me SMS messages and emails via her Singtel SPOT tracker, I am assured that she is in good health. Though they may be short, these simple messages can mean so much.

 

“By following her progress on the website map, I feel closer to her and more involved in her once in a lifetime adventure.”

 

During their expedition, the team has been using Singtel’s highly portable Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) solution to access emails and the Internet, and update blogs. Singtel’s Iridium satellite phones also allow them to chat with friends and family back home.

 

Mr Titus Yong, Singtel’s Vice President of Satellite, said: “Singtel is proud to play an important role in helping Singapore’s first women’s Mt Everest team make history. With our satellite solutions, the team is no longer isolated from the rest of the world. By creating new channels of communication, we hope to allow more people to share in the team’s experiences. We wish the team every success as they prepare to reach the summit.”

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