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As a string of hurricanes started making landfall in late August 2017, many people turned to the walkie-talkie app Zello for emergency communications. The communication tool quickly shot up to the number 1 spot in Apple's app store and rescue groups like the Cajun Navy reported that it was an invaluable tool to help locate people stranded by rising flood waters: Unfortunately, the app's quick rise in popularity, coupled with the chaos of incoming hurricanes, led to some confusion about how the app functions. Viral message started to circulate on social media which made vague claims about how Zello could still function without cell towers: This led many people to believe that Zello would still be a viable form of communication even without internet access: Although Zello can be invaluable during an emergency situation, it still requires either wireless internet or cellular data to function: Zello elaborated in a Facebook post: The confusion likely stemmed from a misunderstanding about the function of cell towers. Not only do cell towers make it possible to place regular phone calls, but they are also used for some internet communications: Apple Insider elaborated: Zello does provide several tools for emergency communications. As Business Insider explained, the app basically turns your phone into a walkie-talkie or a two-way radio. However, the app still requires internet access or cellular data to function.
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