[LINK] mobile mesh

[Kim Holburn]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6987784.stm

> Mobile system promises free calls
>
> A new way of making calls directly between phones, for free, is  
> being trialled by a Swedish company.
>
> It is hoping to dramatically improve communications in the  
> developing world.
>
> Swedish company TerraNet has developed the idea using peer-to-peer  
> technology that enables users to speak on its handsets without the  
> need for a mobile phone base station.
>
> The technology is designed for remote areas of the countryside or  
> desert where base stations are unfeasible.
>
> Projects backed by TerraNet recently launched in Tanzania and Ecuador.
>
> TerraNet founder Anders Carlius told the BBC World Service's  
> Digital Planet programme that the idea for TerraNet came when he  
> was on safari in Tanzania in 2002, and found that poor connectivity  
> meant he could not ring friends riding in another jeep only a few  
> metres away.
>
> "I started thinking, 'couldn't we get phone-to-phone without  
> needing any other equipment, and actually have real voice  
> communication, like a telephone call, between units?'" he said.
>
> Digital identity
>
> 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.
>
> Students in Sweden
> TerraNet say their network is perfect for communities like students
>
> 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.
>
> However, Mr Carlius admitted that this has created big problems  
> with having enough available frequencies.
>
> The system can also be used to make calls to other TerraNet mesh  
> networks via a net-connected PC fitted with an inexpensive USB dongle.
>
> "If you look at places like Africa, South America, India, China,  
> we're really for the first time giving people a digital identity,"  
> he added.
>
> "People are able to talk to other people using a phone number.
>
> "With our stuff, we are giving the low-end man or woman the chance  
> to talk locally for free."
>
> Ericsson backed TerraNet - but other companies are sceptical
> And TerraNet phones currently only work with a special handset -  
> although Mr Carlius said he hopes that it will eventually be a  
> feature available on all phones, like Bluetooth.
>
> He said that were this to happen, it could potentially spell the  
> end for the current Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications  
> model. About 70% of all mobile phones use this technology.
>
> Mr Carlius said large mobile firms did not like the idea of using a  
> peer-to-peer model to make calls.
>
> "One of the biggest things against us is that the big operators and  
> technology providers are really pushing against us, saying this  
> technology doesn't work and it doesn't have a business model," he  
> said.
>
> "This is fine - just join us in Lund and see how the technology  
> works, and ask our customers how our business model works."
>
> Mr Carlius said that mobile phone manufacturer Ericsson had  
> invested around £3m in TerraNet, and this indicated that the  
> business model for the network is sound.


--
Kim Holburn
IT Network & Security Consultant
Ph: +39 06 855 4294  M: +39 3494957443
mailto:kim at holburn.net  aim://kimholburn
skype://kholburn - PGP Public Key on request

Democracy imposed from without is the severest form of tyranny.
                           -- Lloyd Biggle, Jr. Analog, Apr 1961