[SigmundA]

Lot of misconception on this app that it works without cell service, like a regular walkie talkie.

Does seem like a good idea if Apple or Samsung might build in some point to point radio hardware similar to a Gotenna that's works without cell infrastructure.

[thescriptkiddie]

Serval actually does this with WiFi mesh networking.

http://www.servalproject.org/

[SigmundA]

Wifi mesh seems obvious but at 2.4ghz or 5ghz too limited in range.

I was thinking 150Mhz~ MURS like Gotenna for a few miles range.

[thescriptkiddie]

They have a "Mesh Extender" which uses 900 MHz ISM band radios for ~4 km range, and can be connected to an external HF radio if you have a HAM license. It even implements store-and-forward so you can send messages to people who are wandering in and out of range.

[cat199]

Yes, so the public can spontaneously make their own fully autonomous infrastructure free of financial and political interests. Oh wait. yeah that will never happen.