Smart IP communications provider Fuse 2 Communications is attempting to push Microsoft Teams direct routing to the limit during the ascent of one of the world’s highest mountains – Lobuche East in Nepal.

Project Lobuche involves Fuse 2 Communications Chief Technology Officer and co-founder Wayne Mills-Kidals scaling heights of 6,119m in a month-long expedition to test the direct routing service and prove that it is the right choice for enterprises – whatever the environment. The trip will include climbing to Mount Everest’s base camp before taking on Lobuche.

Speaking about the feat, Wayne said: “There are many factors driving why we are doing this. As one of the first service providers in the UK to offer Microsoft Teams direct routing, it has been a real driver for growth. The challenge also fits well with our own global footprint, as having points of presence (PoPs) in the Asia-Pacific region ensures the best possible quality of service and experience, regardless of the terrain involved.

“Surprisingly, despite being a remote mountainous region, there is good cellular coverage around the Lobuche mountain. As far as we are aware, this will probably be the highest Teams call made anywhere on the planet on terra firma.”

In addition to testing the limits of the direct routing service, Project Lobuche will also aim to raise money for three important charities – Macmillan Cancer Support, Scope and Kidasha.

Kidasha is a small charity dedicated to helping street children, child labourers, victims of child abuse and children living in slums in Nepal get a better education and be able to live independently. During his trip, Wayne will visit Kidasha facilities in Nepal to see their work in action.

Wayne said: “Both Macmillan Cancer Support and Scope have been really supportive to family and friends of the Fuse 2 team, so it only felt right to return the support. With Kidasha, we wanted to take the opportunity to help a lesser-known charity that’s supporting a great cause – plus it only felt right to give something back to Nepal, as we’ll be climbing their beautiful mountains!”

The event is being sponsored by network equipment vendors Netaxis Solutions, Infinitel Communications and Ribbon Communications. To keep up with Wayne’s progress ahead of his departure to Kathmandu on 24th October, and for information on how to make a donation, visit the Fuse 2 Communications website.