Ask HN: Could internet-only phone work?

However the notion that it makes phone numbers and ISPs obsolete is naive in my opinion, as is the notion that it would improve privacy. Quite the opposite. Aside from death and taxes, certainties include that businesses adapt to changing markets, and that privacy is always at threat.

How about a wifi meshing phone that is made for reaching wifis much farther away in distance?

Maybe partner with wigle to have available wifis in your local area?

If you have a wifi card that is 3x2 or 4x2, you can also use one antenna for peering purposes. One antenna has to be constantly scanning while moving though, so I guess that needs a lot of power...but maybe it's still feasible!?

Network infrastructure wise wifi has a lot of benefits, if you also offer something like a raspberry pi image I'm sure people would love to help build up the meshnet. Maybe you can also hook up on Apple's network similar to how their AppleTags work.

I don't think phones can power a satellite link for very long. Starlink uses something like 50W if I remember correctly? That would kill a phone in mere minutes. Receiving, like GPS, is easier than transmitting to the satellites.