Build Your Own Cellular Network?

Let’s be honest, haven’t you always wanted to own your own cellular network? Now you can.

The task of running a cellular network has usually been reserved for major carriers. But now an open-source project called OpenBTS is proving that almost anyone can cheaply run a network with parts from a home-­supply or auto-supply store. Cell-phone users within such a network can place calls to each other and–if the network is connected to the Internet–to people anywhere in the world.

Sweet. Now that sounds like a fun afternoon of tinkering.