Zello

Frank II,

I've only had a brief look at Zello and from what I can see, these are some of the features.....

• Zello requires either cellular or Wi-Fi service to operate, probably uses VoIP technology, and probably similar to IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project) invented by a B.C. Amateur Radio Operator.
• It's probably not much different than Facetime, Viber or other apps.
• If there is no internet access, there will be no Zello service.
• If no Wi-Fi available, it may use cellular data which of course will incur charges for those roaming with their home cell networks.
• Users can set up "channels" that are either private or shared with a group of users. Moderators can be used to control traffic on the channels.
• It won't provide communications in areas where all communications infrastructure is "down" (only Amateur Radio or similar techonology can do that).

I'll have to do a bit of further research on it.

The Zello service appears to operate somewhat like this.....

http://business.telus.com/en/business/support/global/faq/telus-link

In order to use Zello, I assume anyone you wanted to communicate with would also have to download the App. It's probably not something I'd ever use, as I can have a full duplex conversation using Viber or Facetime, so I can't see any advantage for half duplex.