Abstract
While satellite communication enables smartphone users to reach emergency services even from areas without cellular connectivity, such options can fail when satellites are not visible (e.g., underground usage). Additionally, devices that have WiFi connectivity, but no cellular modems are unable to use satellite communication for emergency purposes. This disclosure describes techniques that enable emergency communications for users that have WiFi connectivity, but no access to cellular or satellite communication via their smartphone or any other device. The techniques leverage existing infrastructure supported by the device manufacturer (and/or other providers) to enable users to reach emergency service providers over satellite networks. Per techniques of this disclosure, emergency communication originating from the device that has WiFi connectivity is relayed via an internet connection directly to a gateway operated by the device manufacturer (or other provider) that also processes satellite-based communications.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Dhodapkar, Chinmay; Ghosh, Kaushik; Ananth, Sharath; and Maheshwari, Shailesh, "WiFi-based Emergency Communication Support", Technical Disclosure Commons, (September 26, 2025)
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/8644