Firechat, the peer-to-peer messaging app from OpenGarden has been garnering lots of attention since its release a few weeks ago. The application allows users to chat with each other without an internet connection. Currently users across the globe are downloading the app at a rate of 100,000 downloads a day.

We first began writing about proximity based social networking a few years ago when much of the interest around these types of apps was dating. Blendr is perhaps the most successful app that allows singles to find mates nearby boasting 180 million users. This is the exception as most of the start-ups that have attempted to build a business around proximity social networking have failed. Combining proximity based chatting and mesh networking brings a new twist to the market.

The concept of peer-to-peer networking combined with proximity social networking creates networks that have unique qualities that can solve challenges and inspire new opportunities.  Mesh networking can enable internet connectivity in remote locations where coverage is limited, large public gatherings where towers are overloaded and in emergency situations. From a commercial perspective, proximity based ad targeting and group deals are possible. Imagine a group deal being offered to everyone in close proximity to a product or services and the more people respond to the offer the greater the discount. Groupon should be all over this.

So far is Firechat is a great proof of concept and innovators will surly invent new applications and technologies that take advantage of the unique qualities of the mesh network. This trend presents a new threat to the control wireless operators have over the market. While Firechat is currently only text based, voice is most likely on the drawing board. While surely not mass market yet, it will be interesting to see how Firechat does and definitely a technology to keep an eye on.