Satellite Phones in India/ Satellite Phones for Trekking, Climbing in Indian Himalayas.

After the long struggle of Adventure tour operators of India finished in 2018 when ministry of tourism and Ministry of telecommunications, Government of India finally accepted our request and allowed the satellite phone for commercial use in India. Later BSNL has started providing Global Satellite Phone Service (GSPS) in India, after this Shikhar Travels become the first adventure tour operator in India who have Satellite Phone for such use. We are using Sat phone continually in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh for trekking and climbing expeditions since April 2018, however Satellite phone is still not allowed in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, North eastern states. We are hoping that the ministry of tourism and telecommunication will allow the same in near future and we can use SAT phones in PAN India.

The durations of most Himalayan expeditions are more than two weeks where the climbers and the team stay in no connectivity zone. Though they make up their mind to live in secluded places for days but back at their homes, family members get worried and look for any way to stay connected. Now thanks to Satellite phones even a simple text to family will assure climbers safety.

Usage of satellite phones in India has been in talks for decades now. It’s been quite a tug of war about yes and no between the Indian climbing authorities and Indian ministry of telecommunications. There has been a complete ban on the phones in the nation but now after all the hardships of the adventure travel fraternity there is a sigh of relief as satellite phones are allowed. This is great news to the entire adventure fraternity and especially for Shikhar Travels as we own one to provide absolute safety to our guests.

The satellite phones will be of great help as there will be more proactive safety measures in expedition emergencies. It is allowed with some expected security restrictions where we cannot use it in some restricted regions of India. There will be the territory of Jammu and Kashmir but the relief is that most parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand don’t come under the rule.

SAT phones are of great help for mountaineers during many situations during the expedition where there is no connectivity at all. Usually in case of emergency, crew members or group members have to go back to communicate but while ascending to the summit it is quite difficult. Though we take all possible safety measures and now we’ll have an add-on safety shield. Other than this satellite phones also help in coordinating between climbers and back up team at base camp. It is specifically helpful during bad weather conditions as the team can coordinate properly and can avoid the unfavorable condition to make expedition a success.

This decision of allowing satellite phones has not only given a sense of security to mountaineers but also has given the confidence to scale many remote and unexplored peaks of Himalayan region. This brings joy to many climbing groups as more people can now live their dreams. Even we at Shikhar Travels, can make complete use of this device and can assure our members and our guests that whether there will be no network, they will always have us.  In June 2019 it was a pleasure for us when a joint team of ITBP and Indian Mountaineering foundation used our Sat phone for a famous rescue operation which was successfully done in mount Nanda Devi east and rescued 7 bodies including one Indian.  

How did climbing expeditions and trekking changed after Satellite Phones in India?

Emergency situation:

To handle an emergency situation in mountains has become so fast and smooth as we can call a rescue team, helicopter or any emergency help in one satellite phone call.

Easy to get Weather forecast:

Weather is always a curtail part in trekking and mountaineering. Now a climbing team can get regular and latest weather forecasts with the help of satellite phones in the mountains.

Communication in logistic management:

As you know, mobile networks in mountains are always missing. Now with the help of the Satellite phone field team can be directly connected with the office team for logistic arrangement.  

Superfast communication and no Indirect message

Initially we have to depend on others as we must need others’ help to deliver a message to the final receiver but 21st century is a century of fast communication, now with the help of Set phone you can communicate with your family, friends, colleagues and office directly.

Always well connected

Since we can use satellite phones in the mountains which means you are well connected with the world whenever you feel you need something or need to communicate with someone, a satellite phone is there for you.

Important message:

Sometimes if you feel you just want to inform someone with a simple message you can use your sat phone for the same you can send this message to your home, friend, family, office or anybody.

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Satellite Phone in India on rent.

Shikhar travels have two Satellite phones which are also available for renting in climbing expeditions and trekking in Indian Himalaya. Any Indian or foreigner can get the same on rent. For renting or any further details, you can contact us at tours@shikhar.com or 011-41322940/41/42, Call + WhatsApp: +91 9560897784

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