Tanzania has installed high-speed internet access on Kilimanjaro’s slopes, allowing anyone to tweet, Instagram, or WhatsApp their climbing Africa’s tallest peak.
This technological invention also answers the age-old issue, “Did it even happen if I’m all alone on top of Kilimanjaro and don’t share a selfie on Instagram?”
According to CNN, Kilimanjaro, the world’s fourth tallest peak, will suddenly be the premier location for climbers wishing to capture their journey in real-time on social media, owing to high-speed connections supplied by Tanzania’s state-run Tanzania Telecommunications Corp.
The state-owned Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation set up the broadband network on Tuesday with the country’s information minister, Nape Nnauye, calling the event historic.
“Today Up on Mount Kilimanjaro: I am hoisting high-speed INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS (BROADBAND) on the ROOF OF AFRICA,” Nape Nnauye tweeted.
“Tourists can now communicate worldwide from the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro,” the tweet added.
Nnauye stated during his news conference on the mountain that internet connection only extends to Horombo Hut, which is approximately 12,200 feet (3,720 metres) above sea level. The objective is to have access to the summit of Uhuru Peak, which is 19,291 feet (5,880 metres) above sea level, before the end of the year.
According to The Guardian, Kilimanjaro is a significant source of tourism money for Tanzania and its neighbour Kenya, as seen by the investment in high-speed internet atop the mountain. Every year, around 35,000 individuals attempt to climb Kilimanjaro.
In addition to the internet connection, Tanzanian officials earlier announced plans to construct a cable car on the mountain’s southern side.
