New Communication Technology

[RobertS26]

These devices apparently let two people stay in text message contact by turning their cell phones into something similar to two way radios.

How to Stay Connected—Even in the Most Remote Places on Earth - Condé Nast Traveler
https://apple.news/A-cCR_uU1SAm-jc0Vcwy8nQ

 

[trecile]

I've seen those at REI.

 

[jmcarp]

These devices apparently let two people stay in text message contact by turning their cell phones into something similar to two way radios.

How to Stay Connected—Even in the Most Remote Places on Earth - Condé Nast Traveler
https://apple.news/A-cCR_uU1SAm-jc0Vcwy8nQ

They look enticing, but anyone buying these needs to be aware of the limitations of the device:
1) You can only use it to "talk" (see #2 below) to other goTenna users.
2) You can only send text messages -- no voice or data
3) The frequencies used -- 151 to 154 mhz -- may not be licensed for use in all countries. One of their promos talks about using them on a cruise ship, which could be a problem if they interfere with the ship's on-board communications or other electronics. Check with the captain before using.
4) The range is basically line-of-sight, just like those cheap FRS walkie-talkies. If you're in a basement parking garage in the heart of a city, you might get only fractions of a mile/kilometer. If you're on a hill top or mountain top, you might get 50 miles/80 km.
5) Current price is $200 per pair, which seems pretty high to me. But it may come down if they catch on in a big way.
If a potential buyer can accept these limitations, go for it.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Sorry, feeling frivolous - bad day at work, good evening at ukulele club

 

[jeffnd]

They look enticing, but anyone buying these needs to be aware of the limitations of the device:
1) You can only use it to "talk" (see #2 below) to other goTenna users.
2) You can only send text messages -- no voice or data
3) The frequencies used -- 151 to 154 mhz -- may not be licensed for use in all countries. One of their promos talks about using them on a cruise ship, which could be a problem if they interfere with the ship's on-board communications or other electronics. Check with the captain before using.
4) The range is basically line-of-sight, just like those cheap FRS walkie-talkies. If you're in a basement parking garage in the heart of a city, you might get only fractions of a mile/kilometer. If you're on a hill top or mountain top, you might get 50 miles/80 km.
5) Current price is $200 per pair, which seems pretty high to me. But it may come down if they catch on in a big way.
If a potential buyer can accept these limitations, go for it.

With those limitations, it sounds like you would be better off just getting a pair of FRS radios if you are worried about staying in contact with someone. Much cheaper.

 

[jmcarp]

With those limitations, it sounds like you would be better off just getting a pair of FRS radios if you are worried about staying in contact with someone. Much cheaper.

Actually, I'm really encouraged by the spirit of entrepreneurship that devices such as this represent. But I think it's important to point out the realistic limitations of this particular device, especially when mentioned in a multi-national setting such as this. What may be perfectly legal and feasible in one country may not be legal for technical or other reasons in other countries. For instance, allocations of the radio frequency spectrum are set for different parts of the world by international agreement, so for example, frequencies used for fun and games in North America may be set aside exclusively for police or other emergency or for commercial use in Europe or Asia.

And yes, @jeffnd, FRS radios may make more sense from an economic standpoint, but they too have limitations -- such as privacy of communications -- and may not be legal in all countries for the same reasons stated above.

 

[Elizabay]

Hi. I am just back from the Camino Frances, walking SJPdP to Santiago and on to Finisterre and Muxia. Regarding means of communicating between peregrinos and with home, most people I met were using WhatsApp on their phones.

With wifi now in practically every albergue and bar, there was opportunity for frequent contact and no real need for a Spanish SIM.

WhatsApp allows text and voice contact between WhatsApp users (including phoning home), multiple photos with text are quick and easy to send and message groups are easy to set up. Specially handy is the "Share location" feature that sends a Google map with voice directions - terrific when one member of the Camino family gets into the day's destination first and finds good accommodation.

Cheers, Peter

 

[wayfarer]

Well there's always this....