TerraNet: Cellphones Without Carriers

Since Verizon just pissed me off, I’m happy to learn Swedish startup TerraNet has figured out how to rid the world of greedy cellular carriers: mobile phones on a P2P mesh network.

The TerraNet technology works using handsets adapted to work as peers that can route data or calls for other phones in the network.

The handsets also serve as nodes between other handsets, extending the reach of the entire system. Each handset has an effective range of about one kilometre.

This collaborative routing of calls means there is no cost to talk between handsets.

When a TerraNet phone is switched on, it begins to look for other phones within range. If it finds them, it starts to connect and extend the radio network.

When a number is dialled a handset checks to see if the person being called is within range. If they are, the call goes through.

While individually the phones only have a maximum range of 1km, any phone in between two others can forward calls, allowing the distance to double. This principle applied many times creates a mini network.

TerraNet already has around $6 million dollars in investment from Ericsson. Here’s to cutting out the mobile middlemen.