Connecting Android Phones without Carrier Networks

CellPhoneTower_OR1Emergency management personnel are a growing group mobile technology users. However, this group has some interesting hurdles to overcome, as the times when they need to use the technology often coincide with times of compromised technical infrastructure.

While GeoJot+ allows users to collect data offline and is not dependent on functioning cell phone towers with sufficient bandwidth – cell phone connectivity definitely speeds the data analysis process. And certainly aids in many emergency response efforts.

It is encouraging to see that there is a group of people out there focusing their energy on coming up with new solutions in the realm of connectivity. Check out this article from networkworld.com, Android phones are connecting without carrier networks. It highlights a new prototype backup network connecting Android phones through a mesh network established with the phones’ Wi-Fi chips.