A smartphone can still perform essential functions even when it displays zero signal bars, a technology expert has told the Bonjour! La Matinale TF1 morning television show.
Jean-Baptiste Nicolet outlined four strategies for using a phone without cellular service, noting that a lack of network coverage does not render a device useless.
In an emergency, such as becoming lost in the mountains, callers can still dial the European emergency number 112. Nicolet explained that a smartphone will attempt to connect to any available operator to complete a 112 call, even if the user's specific network provider has no coverage in that area.
Satellite connectivity
Recent devices, including newer Apple iPhones and Google Pixel models, feature the ability to connect directly to satellites when standard cellular networks are unavailable.
Nicolet said users can access this feature through their phone settings while outdoors and point the device towards a satellite network. He said the natively integrated system, called Emergency SOS via satellite, works very well.
Once connected, the system presents users with a questionnaire asking for their location and whether they are lost, allowing them to relay critical information to emergency services.
Offline navigation
Global Positioning System location services operate independently of cellular and internet connections. Nicolet noted the distinction between 3G, 4G, 5G and Wi-Fi networks, which provide internet access, and GPS, which provides location data.
A phone can still determine its location without an internet connection. Nicolet advised users to prepare before losing network coverage by downloading offline maps. This allows a user to locate themselves using the GPS connection and navigate using the smartphone's built-in compass, even without active service.
Preparing digital documents
Travellers and hikers should download important documents, such as train tickets, flight boarding passes and internet reservations, before departing.
Nicolet suggested taking screenshots of these documents to keep them accessible on the phone. He also recommended downloading entertainment, such as music or a film, for journeys where network access might be limited.
The best approach, Nicolet concluded, is to perform any tasks that require internet access while still connected to a network, anticipating the loss of service.
