When actively used, Zello will use a lot of battery. Unlike texting, it may be more accessible to elderly people or small kidsĥ. Zello is suitable for real-time, large-group communications. Text messaging apps and Zello use a fraction of bandwidth of phone calls and will often work when phone calls won’t get through.Ĥ. This will allow emergency calls to go through better and will also extend the lifespan of mobile cell towers running on backup power.ģ. After a disaster, mobile networks will typically be overloaded with phone calls so don’t make phone calls unless you have an emergency and need to call 911.
Cellular towers often include battery or generator backup power, which lets them stay online for at least 2 hours, even after grid power is lost.Ģ. However, this may not be an issue because, historically, mobile data networks have often remained at least partially operational, even after a severe disaster. If there is no Wi-Fi and no cellular data service, communication apps (including Zello) WON’T WORK.
This information will help you understand what Zello can and cannot do, and how to be better prepared.ġ. While Zello has been helpful in Harvey relief efforts, it is not a hurricane rescue tool and is only as useful as the people who use it, and as reliable as the data network available. Over 1 million people have joined in the last day, with most coming from Puerto Rico and Florida. We have seen a large number of people signing up for Zello in preparation for Hurricane Irma. Please use at your own risk and discretion. It is not intended as a replacement for instructions from government emergency agencies or sanctioned rescue organizations. Want to dig deeper? Alexey Gavrilov, the founder of Zello posted this toĭISCLAIMER: This information is a guide for Zello users. So, if you are in an extended blackout you may find your Zello calls stop working after 2 hours or so because the cell phone towers have stopped working. Those site backups usually die after 2 hours. You’ll need to have some way to keep your phone charged if you intend to use Zello a lot.Īnd remember if the power goes out, cell phone towers may stop working unless they have battery back-up.īut even battery back-ups for cell phone towers aren’t unlimited. Zello also cautions the app uses a lot of battery power on your cellphone, so using it a frequently will drain your phone. “Zello requires Internet service using either Wi-Fi or cellular data of at least 2G.” On its Facebook page and on other social media sites, the company that developed the app warns: Zello came to prominence when Harvey blasted Houston and a lot of rescuers in that area began using it to communicate in groups to coordinate their efforts.īut, here’s a big warning – if cell phone service or internet goes down– Zello will not work.ĭo not believe the hype on the internet claiming Zello works without cell service. You can talk one-on-one with a single person who is a registered user, or you can form communication groups. He says the sound quality is great – and it’s easy to use.
Zello is a free app that allows uses a fraction of the bandwidth that a regular phone call uses, so when the cell phone calls can’t get through, Zello might be helpful in an emergency situation.ĬBS North Carolina’s consumer reporter Steve Sbraccia tested out the app.
Since Hurricane Harvey struck the Gulf Coast, there’s a lot of buzz about a cellphone app called Zello which turns your phone into a walkie-talkie (Similar to the old Nextel push-to talk system that was popular in the 90s). (WNCN) – When a disaster like a hurricane hits, people need to communicate and traditional lines of commutation can break down.