Project Aims to Set Smartphones Free From Cellular Networks. The prototype shown at left can enable nearby Android phones to link up for calls, texts, and file transfers without a cellular network.
(Credit: Serval Project) The Serval project, whose free software can enable smartphones to make calls and send messages without a cellular network, is appealing for help developing a home router-like device that could make its novel approach more practical. A crowdfunding campaign aims to raise $300,000 to support development of the Mesh Extender, as it is called, which helps the ad-hoc, localized networks Serval creates to extend over larger distances. YouTube. Jitsi.org.