Most of us would like to stay connected, even when we’re on the go. When we’re in our hometowns, we can rely on mobile networks. But, when traveling, roaming costs and other factors make us more dependent on Wi-Fi hotspots. We’re used to finding them in airports, restaurants or shopping malls. But, did you know that even Mount Everest has its own Wi-Fi zones?

We thought it’d be fun to share a list of some of the most unexpected places where you can find Wi-Fi. Check it out:

The North Pole

The North Pole’s glaciers got their first Wi-Fi hotspot back in 2005. It was installed at the “Barneo” research station by a Russian IT team.

Mount Everest

The highest mountain in the world has several Wi-Fi zones at different heights, the topmost connection point being at 5,300 meters. In 2013, Everest also received a 4G network. Thus, alpinists have several options for getting online at good speeds while tackling the summit.

By the way, speaking of mobile networks at big heights – last autumn, a team of Russian alpinists tested our data savings app Opera Max from Lenin Peak, a 7,134-meter mountain in Central Asia. There, a transmitter is installed in the basecamp, at an altitude of 3,600 meters.

The blue skies

More than 40 airlines already offer in-flight internet access. Though, it is only available on certain flights, and often it’s not free.

A salt mine in Poland

From the Earth’s heights to its depths – not far from Krakow in Poland there’s a free Wi-Fi zone, 125 meters underground, in an old, abandoned salt mine, now open for tourist visits.

An entire country with Wi-Fi

We found a remarkable place in our search: a whole “Wi-Fi nation”. It’s Niue, a small island country in the Pacific, where you will find a free hotspot literally anywhere on the island. Full coverage for all!

Coming soon to an ocean near you?

Recently, a group of American scientists successfully tested an underwater Wi-Fi network. Their idea is to use it for ocean research. Over time, this technology if bound to work its way into consumer world, and we’ll be able to post instant selfies with fish. That is, if we have waterproof smartphones…

Whether you get online from the tallest mountain, a Pacific island or any other unexpected place, Opera’s mobile browsers are always at your service to make your internet experience better. We make sure you can find information fast, access your favorite sites easily and discover new content wherever you are.

What’s the most unexpected destination where you’ve found Wi-Fi?

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