We have had several challenges in communications since our arrival. Some areas of the Khumbu region have 3G connectivity or at least some cell phone service, but Pheriche is in a valley and completely void of cell service. The Internet is satellite-based and while fine for email, Skype and similar programs are unreliable during busy times.
There is a VHF phone which connects through Khunde which is weather-dependent but is currently our most reliable phone. However the battery is old and doesn't hold charge. It has about a thirty minute battery life before it has to be recharged. The battery must be removed to be recharged and since we only have one battery, when it is charging, we cannot be contacted. A satellite phone arrived by helicopter a few weeks after we arrived, but so far we have only been able to call China and Bangladesh. Likely operator error, but yet to be resolved.
Then suddenly one day last week while preparing for a phone interview for Penny for a fellowship in Canada, the charger to the VHF phone blew up. For days the phone was out of commission until another charger could be located which is not the correct one, but seems to do the job. Supposedly a replacement charger is being sent up on a helicopter, but we have yet to receive it. Unfortunately, the phone circuits are all scheduled to be shut down for the summer for maintenance on around May 15.
Against all odds and these technological challenges, Chris and Penny have managed to change their airplane flights, interview for jobs/fellowships, rent an apartment, and buy a house! We had difficulties trying to send flowers for Mothers Day.
Photo 1: Chris Hill calls Bangladesh instead of Kathmandu while Pumo (the clinic puppy) watches.
There is a VHF phone which connects through Khunde which is weather-dependent but is currently our most reliable phone. However the battery is old and doesn't hold charge. It has about a thirty minute battery life before it has to be recharged. The battery must be removed to be recharged and since we only have one battery, when it is charging, we cannot be contacted. A satellite phone arrived by helicopter a few weeks after we arrived, but so far we have only been able to call China and Bangladesh. Likely operator error, but yet to be resolved.
Then suddenly one day last week while preparing for a phone interview for Penny for a fellowship in Canada, the charger to the VHF phone blew up. For days the phone was out of commission until another charger could be located which is not the correct one, but seems to do the job. Supposedly a replacement charger is being sent up on a helicopter, but we have yet to receive it. Unfortunately, the phone circuits are all scheduled to be shut down for the summer for maintenance on around May 15.
Against all odds and these technological challenges, Chris and Penny have managed to change their airplane flights, interview for jobs/fellowships, rent an apartment, and buy a house! We had difficulties trying to send flowers for Mothers Day.
Photo 1: Chris Hill calls Bangladesh instead of Kathmandu while Pumo (the clinic puppy) watches.
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