A recent test conducted by user YuurinBee confirmed the Bitchat decentralized messaging application's ability to function effectively at approximately 35,057 feet in the air, without requiring an internet connection. The experiment, detailed in a tweet by YuurinBee, showcased the Bluetooth mesh network app's core capabilities, including message sending, notifications, and its "Panic Mode" privacy feature, even while traveling at over 500 mph. This real-world validation underscores Bitchat's potential for secure, offline communication in challenging environments.
YuurinBee's test involved four devices (Android and iOS) and aimed to replicate previous reports of Bitchat's in-flight functionality. The user reported successful message delivery and notification alerts, noting, "Messages Sent ✅ Notifications✅ (when a bitchat* user is detected)." The "Panic Mode," designed for rapid privacy protection by wiping chat logs and changing usernames, was also lauded as "EPIC" and "exactly what privacy protection (emphasis on the protection) is all about."
Despite the overall success, the test revealed some inconsistencies in peer-to-peer connectivity. YuurinBee observed, "Some devices failed to connect to each other and pick up on the mesh network, though they were right next to each other." Additionally, an issue with a "small red ⚠️ icon" appearing next to delivered messages on receiving devices raised questions about message delivery confirmation, although the messages were visible on both ends. The user also encountered unidentified hexadecimal-named devices, suggesting potential network anomalies or undiscovered users.
Bitchat, developed by Jack Dorsey, operates on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and forms a decentralized peer-to-peer mesh network, eliminating the need for internet, central servers, or phone numbers. This design prioritizes user privacy and censorship resistance, making it suitable for areas with limited connectivity or during emergencies. The app's ability to relay messages between devices extends its effective range beyond typical Bluetooth limits.
The high-altitude test, observed by entities such as FormlessLabs and VectorPrivacy, provides valuable field research data for the burgeoning sector of offline communication technologies. While acknowledging minor connectivity issues, YuurinBee concluded, "It works. ✅ It's not entirely consistent, but I can safely say that bitchat* worked ~35,000 ft in the air on an airplane going roughly 500+ mph. If that isn't impressive for a privacy and encrypted messenger app (without internet) I don't know what is." The ongoing development and testing of Bitchat aim to refine its reliability and expand its utility for secure, off-grid communication.