Opportunistic data transfer

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for opportunistic data transfer (ODT) are provided. ODT improves network coverage, reliability and/or efficiency by permitting data transfer consumers and network access providers to take advantage of communication opportunities that may be mutually beneficial. Fixed and mobile, personal or business, wired or wireless devices, may participate as ODT network operators, providers and/or consumers. ODT participants may be motivated to participate, for example, to reduce battery consumption and improve network coverage, reduce network congestion and interference. A phone, for example, may be enabled to send data to an Internet destination by ODT in lieu of a cellular network in particular circumstances, such as cellular network unavailability, with less costly data transfer and/or less battery power consumption. ODTs may be ad hoc or preauthorized and may be tracked, accounted, and compensated for, such as according to ODT service terms selected by each provider.