goTenna Mesh Device Lets You Text From The Middle Of Nowhere

Not being able to text anyone because you’re off the grid can be stressful. Regardless of what you’re doing, knowing that you’re able to reach someone if the situation calls for it definitely offers peace of mind. That’s why this device is so awesome — it lets you send texts regardless of where you are.

goTenna Mesh is a device for your phone that lets you create your own signal in places where there’s no Wi-Fi or cell phone service. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth and uses low-frequency radio waves to send text messages and get location information.

When you send a message, it goes through the device and is delivered by radio to a sister device. They have a range of about 4 miles in rural settings and half a mile in urban settings — but that range increases when more people use the device, because they can work together in a mesh network. So, if you’re texting a person who is out of range, your message will be picked up and resent by a device that’s closer, until it reaches its final destination. The whole process is also encrypted, so your data is safe.

Whether you’re traveling abroad, or hiking in the backwoods, you can always stay safe and connected.