Using cellular networks to detect at-risk areas for spread of COVID-19

Not strictly WiFi, but wireless-related and extremely topical…

A team at Colorado State University is mapping HO/CS rates of cellular networks to identify high-risk areas for COVID-19 spread. HO/CS is “Handover and Cell (re)Selection”, protocols that allow devices to roam without losing connectivity. The higher the HO/CS rates, the higher the density and mobility of devices, which indicates populated areas or events where COVID-19 spread is likely to occur. The team explained this new contact-tracing process would keep individuals anonymous and only use data already being collected by cellular networks.