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Zello app does not work without cell coverage

Posted at 8:56 AM, Sep 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-08 09:01:47-04

You may have seen people post about a ‘walkie talkie' app on social media, but you should be aware of its limitations.

Many people are saying to download and use Zello in case you don't have wifi or cell service, saying the app makes your phone work like a walkie talkie.

Zello's creators, however, say that is not the case. That you need either wifi access or at least 2G cell coverage to make it work.

That means that if Hurricane Irma disables the cell towers in your area, the app will likely be ineffective.

There is a plus to downloading the app however.  During a disaster, mobile networks get overloaded with phone calls; but Zello and other text messaging apps use less bandwidth, so they will often work when phone calls won't.