Armed with SingTel's Iridium satellite phones and broadband access to smses and e-mails, the Singapore women Everest team is able to call home and keep in touch with their families, thousands of metres above sea level.

The first three climbers who made it to the top of the world early on Wednesday, called home immediately when they reached the summit.

The team is using SingTel's new AITrac tracking solution to monitor the precise real-time location of each team member. This enables family and friends - besides giving them peace of mind - to track the team 24/7 via a secure, password-protected website.

Each member is wearing SingTel's SPOT personal tracking devices, which can withstand extreme weather conditions.

The devices also allow them to send distress signals and call for help in case of an emergency.

Said Li Hui's boyfriend, Mr Ted Hoong: 'I worry about Li Hui every day and I constantly wonder if she is safe. But when she sends me SMS messages and emails... I am assured that she is in good health.'

'Though they may be short, these simple messages can mean so much. By following her progress on the website map, I feel closer to her and more involved in her once in a lifetime adventure.'

Mr Titus Yong, SingTel's vice-president of satellite technology, on Wednesday told straitstimes.com said that he is proud the telecommunications company is involved in such an extraordinary endeavour.

'With our satellite solutions, the team is no longer isolated from the rest of the world. By creating new channels of communication, we hope to allow more people to share in the team?s experiences,' he said.