You know the ultimate test of mans survival is becoming a tourist trap when you can make a 3G video call from its lofty summit. Nepalese firm Ncell has installed 3G towers on the top of Mount Everest, allowing those so inclined to whip out the old iPhone and make a few calls from the top. The coverage, which ends at the summit but is situated at 29,029 feet (five miles) in the air, allows for regular phone and video connectivity with the outside world.

Before the 3G install, hikers could only make voice calls. Sadly, the iPhone 4 still won’t support Facetime over 3G, even from near the cusp of space.

via BBC