[ELI5] If smartphones can be used for long range communication, then why can’t it be used to communicate like walkie-talkies?

Question

[ELI5] If smartphones can be used for long range communication, then why can’t it be used to communicate like walkie-talkies?

In: 10

Answer 1

Still exists. For an app version, check out Firechat. Note that it doesn’t work very well at long distances.

For a more effective version, you need an external antenna. Check out GoTenna. Works while over a mile apart sometimes.

Why it’s not built in, because it’s bulky and a niche use case.