# Burning Man Mobile Phones OpenBTS-Based Cellular Networks Provide Quick & Easy Communication By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-09-02 | Updated 2010-09-04 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/openbts-based-cellular References: [springwise](http://springwise.com/weekly/2010-09-01.htm#rangenetworks) & [networkworld](http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/083010-open-source-voip-cell-phones-at-burning-man.html) OpenBTS-based cellular networks, like the one at Burning Man 2010, is technology that might just change the world. A low-cost, solar or wind-powered base station can supply free cell phone service to [ordinary GSM cell phone users](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/satellite-communications) within its range after just a few hours of setup. In disaster-hit Haiti and New Orleans, OpenBTS-based cellular networks were able to provide much needed communication [mobile hot spots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glocalme-meowgo-g50-max) for relief workers and volunteers. Because the [open-source systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-librephone) are low-cost and easy to deploy, OpenBTS-based cellular services can go where other service isn't possible. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Openbts-based Cellular Networks:** Utilizing low-cost, easy to deploy cellular networks can revolutionize communication in remote or disaster-stricken areas. - **Free Cell Phone Service:** Providing free cell phone service through open-source systems can bridge the communication gap in areas where traditional service is unavailable. - **Solar and Wind-powered Base Stations:** Integrating renewable energy sources into base stations can provide sustainable and reliable cell phone service in off-grid locations. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Emergency Communication:** OpenBTS-based cellular networks can disrupt the emergency communication industry by offering quick and affordable communication solutions in disaster-affected areas. - **Telecommunications:** The telecommunications industry can leverage OpenBTS-based cellular networks to expand their services and reach underserved areas with limited infrastructure. - **Renewable Energy:** Implementing solar and wind-powered base stations in the renewable energy industry can enable greener and more sustainable cell phone communication networks. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Self-Powered Mobile Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-towers.md) - [Broadcast TV Cellphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lava-and-hmd.md) - [Digital Mobile Phone Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freedom-for-free.md) - [Satellite Communication Smartphone Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hmd-offgrid.md) - [Off-Grid Connectivity Dongles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orange-dongle.md) - [Emergency Satellite Smartphone Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorola-defy-satellite-link.md) - [Eco-Friendly Mobile Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meaningful-planet.md) - [Anti-Phone Theft Festival Pins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/block-pin.md) - [Satellite Connectivity Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacex-directtocell-program.md)