Have you ever found yourself stranded with no cellular or WiFi signal? Unable to send or receive messages? New Startup company goTenna Inc., a New York corporation registered in Delaware, is revamping the old fashioned way of communication. Similar to the now obsolete walkie-talkie, the goTenna device pairs with users’ existing cell phones over Bluetooth-LE and emits radio text messages to other users using goTenna.

The Brooklyn based startup was co-founded by Daniela Perdomo, a Sāo Paulo native who says the goTenna was inspired by Hurricane Sandy. During the hurricane, downed cell and phone towers inhibited communication and left thousands of people out of touch with friends and family.

Today, the company includes a team of hardware, network and firmware engineers. Today, the goTenna can be used in more situations rather than just disasters.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The goTenna allows users to communicate without relying on cellphone towers, WiFi or satellites. The device even works when phones are set on “Airplane Mode” while in the air or overseas. The goTenna is sold in pairs of two. Therefore, users can give one device to a friend, family member or group member joining them on whatever journey they decide to take.

goTenna radio signals

The goTenna is wirelessly paired with users’ existing smartphones using Bluetooth-LE and sends signals using long-range radio waves. The phone and device must be within 20 feet of one another in order to communicate with each other. The free goTenna application allows users to send and receive text messages and share their locations through the analog radio channels.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Depending on many geographical factors such as environment (open water, suburb areas, urban areas, forests and deserts) and elevations, the range of service will vary. The goTenna offers signals ranging anywhere from a few miles up to a 50 mile radius.

The water-resistant goTenna will last users approximately 72 hours when used intermittently and 30 hours when used constantly. When turned off, the goTenna can hold its charge for over a year, making it a perfect addition to add to any emergency kit.

The application also includes a built-in emergency feature that allows messages to be “shouted” to anyone within range which can be useful in cases where users get lost or stranded. All messages sent through the goTenna are self-destructing and not stored on a central server.

goTenna device

The goTenna is currently available for pre-order at 50% off for $149. The company plans to increase the price to its retail price of $299.99 once their $50,000 goal is reached.

Topics: Apps, Delaware, Small Business, Startups