TerraNet AB
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TerraNet AB is a Swedish company that purports to offer free mobile telephony and data services via a peer-to-peer mobile mesh network comprised of modified handsets.
The system uses each enabled phone within range as an additional network node allowing voice and date transmission via radio frequency rather than cell sites. According to its founder, the TerraNet concept was developed as a way to bring mobile coverage to underserved geographies and, by extension, populations.
When a TerraNet phone is switched on, it begins to look for other phones within its 1km effective range. If it finds them, it connects and extends the radio network. When an actual number is dialed, the handset used checks to see if the person being called is within range of the any handset in the network, and if they are, the call goes through.
Detractors question TerraNet's lack of a clear business model, though device manufacturers appear to be interested in the efforts. TerraNet is supported by private investors.
