Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), a global leader in wireless communications, today announced British climber Rod Baber has set world records for the highest-ever land-based mobile phone call and text message using the MOTO Z8 mobile handset.
Mr Baber called from 29,035 feet / 8848 meters on the highest peak of Mount Everest at 5.37am local time on Monday 21st May. The first phone call was made to a special voicemail account and his text was sent to John Barlow of Motorola Inc.
“Everest symbolises the greatest challenge to any climber. To reach the summit and achieve world records with Motorola is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”, said Mr Baber from Everest Base Camp. “My MOTO Z8 has totally enhanced the experience up here, giving me the added confidence and peace of mind to know that friends, family and even help were just a phone call away.” he continued.
“Motorola is committed to pushing the limits of technology and innovation and we have a strong heritage of world first achievements,” said Patrick Mulligan, area Director for Motorola's mobile devices business in the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Pakistan.
“We famously provided the technology that communicated the first words from the moon, and now we’re pleased to say we were the first to provide a mobile call from the top of the world. This challenge was a true test of man and machine for Rod and MOTO Z8.” he continued.
During the call, Rod described the view, his feelings and what he would do once he was back down at base camp. His second call was to his wife and two children. Rod also sent the world’s highest text message, which was written by John Barlow as the winner of an internal competition at Motorola. The message read as follows:
One small text for man, one giant leap for mobilekind – thanks Motorola
MOTO Z8 features crystal clear video playback with speeds of up to 30 frames per second, high definition video capture and a high fidelity music player. With ultra-fast HSDPA technology, it includes a brilliant 16 million colour 35x50mm QVGA full screen display.
MOTO Z8 also features Motorola’s first ever “kick slider”, a graceful mechanism that achieves a “fit-to-face” profile by gliding open in a curve to match the contour of your face.
To find out more about Rod’s mission and access the record-breaking evidence, visit www.motorola.com/everestclimb
About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of seamless mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you connect simply and seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering "must have" products, "must do" experiences and powerful networks -- along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $42.9 billion in 2006. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com.
About Rod Baber
At 29, Rod Baber gained the world record for climbing the highest point of every European country. The record was completed in 835 days from the first summit of Hvanndalshnukar in Iceland to Mt Ararat in Turkey (47 sovereign states in total). This record knocked more than four and a half years from the previous record. He also holds the world record for climbing more of the world's highest points than any other person. This includes the summit of Mt Aconcagua in Argentina at the age of 24. His passion for travel has carried him through more than 60 countries around the world, including four major trips to the Himalayas.
