goTenna portable telephone network / hotspot enables off-grid communication

goTenna portable phone network and antenna enables off-grid communication
all images courtesy goTenna

goTenna is a new communications accessory by daniela and jorge perdomo that enables people to connect directly with others without the need for a central network – no cell towers, no WiFi, no satellites. the handheld piece of technology addresses the need for off-grid communication with a small, rugged device that pairs wirelessly with your smartphone and can easily attach to your gear. it works anywhere, regardless of whether a cell signal or WiFi is available, meaning when you’re off-grid you can remain connected – even on airplane mode.

 video courtesy goTenna

the system works by pairing your smartphone wirelessly, using bluetooth-LE. the device needs to be within 20 feet of your phone, so that the two can communicate with each other. ‘your smartphone will send the message to your goTenna, which will then shoot it out, via long-range radio waves (151-154 mhz), to the intended goTennas,’ explain daniela and jorge perdomo.  ‘at the other end, the exact same thing happens, in reverse: the recipient goTenna sends your message over bluetooth-LE to the smartphone app it’s paired with. all of this happens in a matter of milliseconds.’

 the device provides users the ability to create a network on their terms

when paired with the app, users can send & receive text messages for free

 front view

rear view

the device features a nylon attachment strap