Apps for the internet have become increasingly advanced when it comes to non-traditional communications methods.

In some cases, if you do not have a land line or good cell phone coverage, you can still communicate via one of these apps – and in a survival situation, that could be your lifeline!

WiFi Calling

Having no cell signal doesn’t mean you don’t have access to the internet. WiFi is another method of connecting your phone with the internet. While you may associate your WiFi signal with surfing the internet, the technology exists to let you make a call over WiFi as well. If your network and phone support WiFi calling, it is a great way to make a phone call without cell signal.

Facetime Audio

If you have an iPhone you’re probably familiar with Facetime. Facetime is like a video phone call (similar to Skype) where the two callers can see and talk to each other live. There is also a Facetime audio function. This works just like Facetime without the video (in other words, it’s just like a phone call). However, one benefit of Facetime audio is that it doesn’t require good cell reception, making it another way to make a phone call without cell signal.

Who Can Use Facetime Audio?

Facetime only works from one Apple device to another. (Sorry Android folks.) Apple users must also have Facetime enabled on their device to make and receive Facetime calls. To see if you have Facetime enabled on your iPhone open the settings app and click on Facetime. On the screen that opens the first toggle switch will be green if you have Facetime enabled.

Skype

If you’re a Microsoft user you probably already have access to Skype. Skype is a way to call or video call others. If you’re calling someone else with Skype the call is free. If you’re calling a landline or someone who doesn’t have Skype then the call goes toward your minutes. But, if you’re a Microsoft Office user you’re most likely sitting on free Skype minutes every month that you’re not using. Skype calls may be a good option for making a phone call without cell signal.

Facebook Messenger Voice Call

If you message your Facebook friends you probably have the Facebook Messenger app loaded on your phone.  Did you know you can also use this app to make audio and video calls to your friends? To make a phone call from the Facebook Messenger app simply open the app and click on the name of the Facebook friend you’d like to call. In the next screen you will see any conversations you’ve had with this friend through Facebook Messenger. In the upper right corner, click the phone icon to place a voice call to this friend. This will place the call through the internet signal you are currently using. If you have no cell service the phone call will be placed through WiFi.

In a survival situation, if you are in a remote area, not having cell coverage can greatly hamper Search and Rescue efforts or even contacting friends or family for help.

If, though, you can find a place where you have even rudimentary wifi coverage, you might still be able to contact the outside world.

It should be noted that this is not an optimal situation, but in a survival situation, you should not rule anything out.

To read more on how wifi coverage can still be used in some cases when cell coverage is not existent, check out German Pearls.