GoTenna


goTenna is a Brooklyn, New York-based startup that designs and develops technologies for off-grid and decentralized communications. goTenna devices pair with smartphones and, through intelligent mobile ad hoc networking protocols, enable users to send texts and share locations on a peer-to-peer basis, foregoing the need for centralized communications infrastructure of any kind.

History

The idea for goTenna came to siblings Daniela and Jorge Perdomo in November 2012 after Hurricane Sandy knocked out 25 percent of cell towers, and caused outages for 25 percent of Internet services, across 10 states on the East Coast. Officially incorporated in April 2013, the company's stated goal is to build “people-powered peer-to-peer communication systems” reducing our reliance on cell towers and wifi routers, and providing anyone the ability to create a network on their terms.
In September 2016, goTenna launched goTenna Plus, a, subscription-based upgrade to the goTenna applications, which includes the capability to use other goTenna users as gateways to relay messages through to traditional SMS networks. The company also released its software development kit, enabling developers to create new applications using goTenna hardware. However, its license does not permit use with open source copyleft licenses. Around the same time, goTenna unveiled a second-generation device: goTenna Mesh, the first consumer-ready mesh network of its kind, available to 49 countries. In March 2017, the company announced its goTenna Pro line, for professional mobile radio communications needs.

Awards