Tanzanian officials held an unusual press conference from 12,000 feet above sea level at the top of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, according to a report in TechTrendsKE.
The fourth highest mountain in the world which is popular with climbers has inked its place in history and climbers can now post their escapades on social media from the top.
Tanzania’s Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Nape Nnauye tweeted from the mountain last Tuesday: “Today … I am hoisting high-speed INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS (BROADBAND) on the ROOF OF AFRICA. Tourists can now communicate worldwide from the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.”
Today Up on Mount Kilimanjaro: I am hoisting high-speed INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS (BROADBAND) on the ROOF OF AFRICA. Tourists can now communicate worldwide from the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. WE ARE GOING TO UHURU PEAK 5880 Meters Above Sea Level!#royaltourcompliment #royaltour pic.twitter.com/jXqGoWCBjU
— Nape Moses Nnauye (@Nnauye_Nape) August 16, 2022
It is estimated that 35,000 people attempt to hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro each year.
Nnayue said that the availability of the internet on this mountain will improve safety for visitors and porters navigating the mountain.
The mountain is a major tourist attraction site in Tanzania.
“Previously, it was a bit dangerous for visitors and porters who had to operate without internet.
“All visitors will get connected … (up to) this point of the mountain,” Nnauye said, referring to the Horomob Hut campsite where the conference was held.
Kilimanjaro has now joined Mount Everest which has had 4G mobile connectivity since 2013 and fibre-optic broadband since 2017.
