goTenna Mesh, A Compact Network Relay Device That Sends Cellphone Messages Without a Signal

In July 2015 we wrote about goTenna, a handy device that pairs with a smartphone to send texts without a signal. The company has now introduced goTenna Mesh, a compact, easily accessible network device that pairs with a smartphone to allow users to send personal messages, group messages and even broadcast messages further by relaying through other users. The company is raising funds through Kickstarter in order to bring the product to market.

goTenna Mesh is the first 100% off-grid, mobile, long-range consumer-ready mesh network. The device pairs with your smartphone to enable communication even when you don’t have service. Absolutely no towers, routers and satellites required! Create people-powered connectivity absolutely anytime, anywhere. Send text messages and share GPS locations on offline maps with others. Chat privately in 1-to-1 or group conversations, or broadcast to any other goTenna Mesh device up to several miles or kilometers away all without using towers, routers or satellites. Each tiny-but-mighty device is powered by game-changing networking protocols which intelligently — and privately! — relay messages through other users. You can potentially double or triple any device’s effective range and create a network that gets stronger the more people join it!

submitted via Laughing Squid Tips