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New Cell Phone Tech Could Alert You of Nearby Disasters

by Caleb Johnson on June 10, 2009 at 07:15 AM

Motorola has created a new cell phone technology that could warn users when a disaster occurs, even if most of the network is not working, according to NewScientist.

Here's how it would work: In the event of disaster, a functional cell phone outside and nearby the disaster area is alerted. Using Wi-Fi, this phone creates a peer-to-peer network with another phone and passes along the alert. The process is repeated over and over, until as many phones as possible have been alerted of the disaster.

The Emergency Alert System already uses television and radio frequencies to alert folks when disaster strikes. However, Motorola engineers believe their technology would prove much more efficient, since many folks may not have access to radio or television during a disaster. The company filed for a U.S. patent in late May, so there's no word yet on how soon this system could be in place.

We applaud Motorola for taking a step toward providing an important public service. With as many disasters as we have seen lately, from hurricanes to wildfires, we think the development of additional means of emergency communication is critical. [From: NewScientist, via Textually.org]

Tags: cell phone, CellPhone, disaster, emergency, motorola, p2p, patent, top, wifi

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