Mobile Signals in Villages
Almost all villages along the Everest Base Camp trail have some sort of mobile network service. Villages such as Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Phakding, and Dingboche generally have 2G, 3G, or even 4G signals at times. Here you can do calling, sending messages, and even surfing the internet. The signals are the strongest in the middle of the villages where there are shops, tea houses, or communication towers. Besides the center or at higher places, signals can be weak or disappear.
Signals in Remote Areas
In between villages, there are barely any mobile signals. Following the trails in forests, valleys, or mountains may mean that you won't have any connectivity for a couple of hours. There are very few mobile towers, and mountains may obstruct the signals. This situation is quite normal for high-altitude trekking. Trekkers should be mentally prepared for the times when they will not be able to access their mobiles. It is just part of the trip and gives you the chance to be with nature with no distractions.
Satellite Phones: An Option for Safety
If not for the regular mobile networks that most of us use, satellite phones can be the solution. For that purpose, some trekking agencies provide satellite phones. Satellite phones don't need towers; they communicate with satellites directly. Therefore, it ensures that there will always be help even if you are in the most remote places. Nevertheless, the use of satellite phones is typically limited to emergencies only as they are costly and few.
Internet Availability
Internet access is a scarce resource on the EBC trekking route. A few lodges in Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep might provide Wi-Fi, but it is generally very slow and not free. When a lot of people are using Wi-Fi, the connection is not very good. There is almost no internet in remote areas or at the high camps. In some villages, mobile data can be used, but the speed might be very low.
How Altitude Affects Signals
Immobile signals are affected by high altitudes and mountains. Mountains may block towers, thus causing call drops or slowing down the internet. At extremely high places like Lobuche or Gorak Shep, one may hardly get any signals. This is quite normal and should be anticipated. The signals are strongest in valleys and populated areas where there are towers.
Using Local SIM Cards
Local Nepalese SIM cards (like Ncell or Nepal Telecom) are the most suitable for the EBC trail. International SIM cards may not work in the most remote areas. Ncell offers excellent coverage in Namche, Lukla, and some high villages. On the other hand, Nepal Telecom is very good in lower villages and valleys. Having a local SIM is the best way to ensure that you are connected with the least cost of calling and data.
Tips to Stay Connected
If you want to remain connected, then you should make use of mobile networks in villages and places with towers. You should also keep your phone charged because cold weather is one of the main reasons for battery draining. In addition, you should have a power bank or solar charger as a backup. Before going out of a village, check and see if you have a good signal and, if yes, then send the important messages you have. Also, always prepare for times when you will not be able to connect and let your family or friends know beforehand.
Mobile Signals and Safety
The availability of mobile signals is one of the necessities for safety. For instance, you can call your guide, the lodge, or, of course, Emergency services if you need help. At the same time, adventurers can keep abreast of the weather forecasts or altitude warnings by using their devices. Even very limited mobile coverage can be of great support in case of sickness, accident, or evacuation. Hence, it is great to have with you some emergency papers and also know which villages have strong signals.
Disconnecting and Enjoying Nature
Though mobile signals are of great help, mountain trekking is also about shutting down. A lot of trekkers prefer the experience of being "detached" from their phones, emails and social media. Lack of connectivity enables you to immerse yourself in the surrounding such as mountains, rivers, and villages. Walking without checking your mobile all the time can be a great stress reliever.
Planning Your Trek with Signals in Mind
One of the things you must do before trekking is to find out which villages and lodges are the ones having signals. Make a plan for your texting and calling of the family to be done when you get to major villages such as Namche Bazaar or Dingboche. Carry offline maps and guides with you because GPS might not work without mobile data. Be prepared that some parts of your trek will have no connection at all. Such a plan makes trekking both safe and less stressful.
Differences in Mobile Operators
The main operators on the trail are Ncell and Nepal Telecom. In villages at the top of the mountains such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche. Ncell generally has better signals. On the other hand, Nepal Telecom gives better service in the lower valleys and certain trails that lead from one village to another. If you have both SIM cards, then you will have a better chance of being connected especially if you are required to work or need to be available in case of emergencies.
Mobile Signals at Base Camp
Mobile signals are very scarce at Everest Base Camp. Temporary towers installed by expedition groups or trekking agencies may provide a network, but it is slow and unreliable. Sometimes, Wi-Fi is available in certain lodges; however, it is often quite expensive. Therefore, it is a mistake for trekkers to assume that they will be able to stay in full contact at Base Camp and hence, they need to plan accordingly.
Conclusion
Although mobile network signals are present along the EBC trail, they are not very strong. Villages like Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep have coverage, while remote trails and high camps may not. Local SIM cards, especially Ncell and Nepal Telecom, are the best. Satellite phones are available for use in emergencies.
Connectivity facilitates the performance of the tasks of calling, making emergencies known, and checking weather but it is not always reliable. Trekkers should always be prepared for those moments when they will not be able to use their mobiles and, furthermore, they should take the opportunity to get rid of the mountains. The availability of mobile signals is a great factor in the safety of the trek, but the removal of the same enables you to get in touch with the beauty and tranquility of the Himalayas.