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Project NOAH partners with Firechat for 'disaster-proof' communications network


 
 
Marikina will be the first city in the world with a “disaster-proof” communications network, powered by a partnership between the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) and start-up company Open Garden.
 
The “mesh” network will cover 22 sq. km. and works even without Internet connections, data plans, or cellular networks. It will be powered by FireChat, an app developed by Open Garden. Using the network, users can send real-time private encrypted messages or public messages visible to all community members. It uses peer-to-peer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections and can work even when communication services have been damaged during disasters.
 
“Our apps, ARKO and NOAH, give citizens up-to­the­minute updates on weather conditions in their area. FireChat will allow everyone to share early warning messages and contribute live information about hazards in their localities. This can be life­saving during crucial moments,” said Project NOAH executive director, Dr. Mahar Lagmay.
 
Open Garden claims that the network in Marikina is the first of its kind in the world. The network was launched at Marikina City Hall on October 12.
 
“Our technology alleviates the dependency on traditional infrastructure. After this first initiative in Marikina, our objective is to enable other cities around the world to also create their own free communication networks that are ‘disaster-proof,’” said Open Garden CEO and co-founder Micha Benoliel.
 
Samples of GreenStone, a networking beacon by Open Garden, was also distributed during an event. It extends the range of the mesh network and allows the exchange of messages even if there’s no centralized network.
 
According to Open Garden, Marikina is the first large-scale adoption of FireChat and they plan to expand to Metro Manila and eventually the rest of the Philippines.
 
FireChat is free and available for download for both Android and Apple devices at http://firech.at/Marikina — Bea Montenegro/TJD, GMA News
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