You can now text WITHOUT service or wifi?!

12 Feb 2026 · 1 min

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In this short monologue, Dan Novaes introduces Jack Dorsey’s experimental decentralized messaging app called “bitchat.” The app operates without cellular service, Wi‑Fi, or central servers by forming a Bluetooth‑based mesh network where each phone within roughly 100 ft acts as a node. Messages hop from phone to phone until they reach the intended recipient, are end‑to‑end encrypted, and disappear after delivery, resembling walkie‑talkie communication. Novaes notes that the app is still in beta but could be valuable during power outages, internet shutdowns, or other emergencies where traditional networks fail, and invites viewers to follow the “ubk” channel for more entrepreneur stories.

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Jack Dorsey just created a way to send messages without the Internet. It's called bitchat, a decentralized messaging app that works offline. Using Bluetooth, no cell towers, no WI fi, no Central servers like AT&T or Verizon, your phone connects directly to nearby phones within about 100ft. And here's the genius. Every phone running bitchat becomes a node in the network. Your message hops from phone to phone automatically until it reaches the person you're trying to contact. The network constantly forms and breaks as people move, kind of like digital surfing. It's not storing messages like iMessage or Instagram DMs. It works more like walkie talkies. The message is delivered, then disappears, protected by end to end encryption. Bitchat is still in beta, but it's a real experiment in communication. During power outages, Internet shutdowns, or emergencies, it may or may not be the next big thing. But in a world where networks can go dark, it's powerful to know someone is building ways for people to stay connected, no matter what. For more entrepreneur stories and information like this, follow ubk.