Internet was banned, then how did people connect during CJP protest? Understand what is Bluetooth messaging technology

Imagine, if there is no mobile data, Wi-Fi or phone network, the message still goes through? Wondered how this is possible? This may seem impossible, but Bluetooth mesh messaging apps make it possible by creating a network between nearby smartphones, allowing messages to be sent from one device to another without using the Internet.

The technology came into focus when The Times of India (TOI) reported that Delhi Police was investigating whether Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protesters had used a similar Bluetooth messaging app during the protests in Central Delhi, where mobile internet services were reportedly disrupted. Although police have not confirmed the use of any specific app, the investigation has sparked interest in knowing how these offline messaging apps work.

Why are these apps making headlines?

Delhi Police suspects that some protesters remained connected despite the internet ban by using messaging apps, which work without mobile data or Wi-Fi. The report said officials are investigating whether these apps helped protesters communicate during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ protests in areas like Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar, when 4G and 5G services were reportedly disrupted.

How do these apps work?

WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram require mobile data or Wi-Fi to send messages, but these apps are not dependent on mobile networks or Wi-Fi. Instead, these apps use a technology called Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is already in almost every smartphone.

This is how the process works

• step 1: The user writes messages with the help of the app.
• Step 2: Bluetooth helps in sending it to nearby phones. Instead of sending the message to a mobile tower or Internet server, the phone sends it via Bluetooth to nearby devices running the same app.
• This creates a ‘Bluetooth mesh network’, where each smartphone acts as a mini communication bridge.

How far does the message travel?

Bluetooth also has a limitation, for example a message from phone A goes to phone B, phone B forwards the message to phone C and then the message from phone C reaches phone D.

What is the limitation?

• need more users
• low range
• slow delivery
• battery consumption fast

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