Communications While Living Off-Grid

Communications while livinbg off-grid is essential for many preppers. If a crisis happens, the power grid will be down, and the cell towers may be damaged or destroyed. You should have a way to stay connected with your family and friends. The same applies to those who choose to live off-grid.

With advancements in technology, there are now several ways to communicate off-grid These solutions don’t need us to utilize a mobile phone connection, making them ideal to have for survival.

Why Is It Vital to Communicate Off-Grid?

Most of us don’t give much thought to the great outdoors until we find ourselves in an emergency.

For many, this might mean having to live off-grid for a few days while we wait out an ice storm or thunderstorm. It could be longer if our power goes out during winter. But living off the grid is more than just a stop-gap measure that helps us get by until the problem has passed or our power company gets its act together. If that were the case, people wouldn’t move to remote and isolated areas without access to public power.

Everyone uses a smartphone and a lot can’t work off-grid without access to the internet. You will need not just a monthly phone service with a phone network, but you’ll also need to be close to phone towers and reception centers.

So, when do you think you will lose your phone signal?

There are a variety of situations when phone coverage is poor or non-existent. You may be trekking or camping in the mountains, but you could also be in the center of the city during a Black Friday sale or at a concert when too many people are congested and phone coverage networks, thus leaving you without service.

Having an off-grid communication system ensures communication during these times and situations.

Is a Smartphone Enough to Save You?

Even die-hard off-grid people love smartphones. They keep them informed, amused, and connected.

While they provide a terrific means to remain connected off the grid, the network is overburdened or unavailable in many circumstances, leaving people with a lump of plastic that doesn’t even serve as a signal mirror.

Even if you have the most fantastic hand crank phone charger to keep your battery charged when the power is out, your phone won’t always return the favor by picking up a signal.

Stormy weather may make smartphones unusable since they depend on ground-based towers. Hills and trees may also impede your signal, rendering it worthless in a survival situation.

Staying Connected with Communications While Living Off-Grid

Let’s take a look at this sad situation. You left your phone at home and finally located someone who would lend it to you, but no WiFi is accessible. You need to find out how to communicate without a phone or the internet.

The following are your options:

Amateur Radio

One of the best options for successful post-disaster communication is amateur radio. FEMA uses it to relay critical information during disasters to shelters, hospitals, police stations, and fire departments. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) regulates it, and anybody who uses a HAM radio must have a valid license. Amateur radios can connect you with individuals all around the globe.

Alternative Radios

There are a variety of other radios that may suit your needs. Truckers often utilize CB radios. Households and companies often use the FRS and GMRS radios.

The FCC regulates most of these alternatives, and they all need licenses to operate. The best choice is still a HAM radio; however, these alternative solutions may be more cost-effective for families.

Satellite Phones

Satellite phones operate in catastrophes because they depend on satellites rather than telecommunication networks to communicate.

A satellite phone will function without interruption if your mobile phone is out of range or if a natural catastrophe damages the phone lines/antennas. Businesses should maintain a satellite phone on hand in an emergency. Satellite calls are costly and quickly tracked.
Take note that owning a satellite phone is banned in certain countries, such as Chad and China, so verify your country’s regulations before buying one.

Hand Crank Radio

Although you won’t be able to talk with a crank radio, they are excellent for keeping up with the news and weather in an emergency. Don’t worry if the power goes out since this takes physical strength.

Landline Phones and Phone booths

Cell phone networks are substantially less dependable than landline phones. There are a few phone booths in major cities and may be small villages, believe it or not. Make sure you have a change in your pocket and know where the next landline or phone booth is near your workplace and home.

Conclusion

Even if you prefer a solitary, secluded existence, communication is essential for survival in an emergency. You need to be prepared to call out for assistance.

You may go with a basic, non-technical solution like a signal mirror, or you can go all out with the newest mesh technology. The choice is up to you and what your situation requires.