Telecom giant KT said Nov. 1 it has launched an ICT rescue center on Mount Annapurna in Nepal to offer network services for climbers in the region.

Built at the Machhapuchhre Base Camp at the altitude of 3,700 meters, the information and communication technology center will be fitted with base stations for long-distance wireless communications, GPS tracking and drones for rescue operations.

The opening of the center came after the Um Hong-gil Human Foundation, which supports people in less-developed nations, signed an agreement with the Gandaki government in Nepal to build the rescue center, in May.

Yoon Jong-jin, chief of KT’s public relations office, Santa Bir Lama, head of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, and Um Hong-gil, executive director of the Um Hong-gil Human Foundation, pose at the opening ceremony of the ICT rescue center in Nepal on Oct. 31. (KT)

The organization was founded by Korean mountaineer Um Hong-gil in 2008. The Nepal Mountaineering Association, which promotes mountaineering activities in the Himalayas, will run the center.

“The region can now ensure safer trekking environments for tourists and climbers to Mount Annapurna thanks to KT’s information and communication technology,” said Prithvi Subba Gurung, governor of the Gandaki state, in a press statement.

KT has been carrying out the corporate social responsibility program GiGA Story, which involves installing networks for those who have poor access to mobile and internet services in both Korea and global markets.

In 2017, the company installed network infrastructure on Moheshkhali Island, Bangladesh, to help locals better communicate with those living inland through mobile and 100 Mbps internet services.

In Korea, six remote islands and towns, including Imjado, Daesungdong, and Cheonghakdong, have worked with KT to offer advanced network services for locals.

“KT will continue to make the utmost efforts to provide network services that can make the world a safer place,” said Yoon Jong-jin, chief of KT’s communications office.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)