Support for calls via hardwired ethernet internet on Kompakt

Technical Support
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Mudita has done great work championing and promoting awareness of health, particularly phone-work-life balance and eye health, and Pure was specifically designed to emit minimal radiation. Kompakt is not a very low radiation phone and Mudita is yet to tell us whether Kompakt will be able to be used for ethernet based internet calling, despite my October 2024 and 3 February posts Blog: The Benefits of Choosing a Mindful Phone Like Mudita Kompakt - #3 by neatsolutions Blog: The Benefits of Choosing a Mindful Phone Like Mudita Kompakt - #12 by neatsolutions

Similar interest is evident in other forum threads, e.g. in the Cellular/wifi transmit power control for Kompakt? thread with @jordan and @calebsmum and in the EMF levels on Kompakt thread with @roberto and @galtions showing clear interest in lowering wifi and phone EMF exposure. @msnell89 wanted to use ethernet cabled internet as internet source for phone in this thread in April 2024. @egvde and @shak had similar queries. In May 2024 @Grzegorz_Szmidt said he would [quote=“Grzegorz_Szmidt, post:12, topic:4765”] ensure that your input is carefully shared with our development team for their consideration in future projects.[/quote] So Mudita’s development team have known there’s interest in this for at least 10 months. Given Mudita’s history with Pure, we can be confident there’s plenty more interest.

It can be very easy to forget about the massive increase in microwave and radio frequency radiation we are exposed to as it has no odour and cannot be seen, but the health impacts are real. Independent scientists have documented negative health effects for over 60 years and those that say it’s not harmful to health usually have vested interests in the tech industry. Microwave frequency radiation exposure effects are cumulative. This is a key problem for the long term health of any mobile phone user.

Thoughtful technology exists to effectively minimise radiation exposures from android phones by substituting ethernet cable internet access for microwave radiation based signals - in fact turning that phone function off. It creates a very low radiation phone. I’ve used it with my current android phone to call overseas and locally via Telegram using my home ethernet cabled internet. @anon11367638 Blog: The Benefits of Choosing a Mindful Phone Like Mudita Kompakt - #4 by RasVoja said most android phones allow this function, but I have found this cannot be relied upon. Given some android phones do allow this function at least via apps (e.g. Telegram) it would seem to rely on software set up. This is why I am still hopeful Mudita can do it with Kompakt.

Ethernet cabled calling and internet options are best practice solutions for reducing EMF/microwave frequency radiation from mobile phones, just as e-ink is best practice for eye health with screens. It is the lowest radiation mobile phone calling option available – better than Pure could offer. Ethernet based calls are made with the phone switched to aeroplane mode, meaning both mobile data and mobile phone functions are turned off, and instead a home or work ethernet cabled internet connection provides internet connectivity via a cable adapter to the phone’s USB C port. This allows users to make calls and access phone features that otherwise rely on mobile phone signals or mobile data both of which mean exposure to microwave frequency radiation (also known as EMF, EMR, wifi, bluetooth and cell phone radiation).

Ethernet cabled internet is used in parts of the business world because it is more private and secure than wifi internet. Mudita is interested in phone privacy.

Wifi (i.e. internet) calling is being offered on Kompakt – very useful when mobile phone signal is poor. So clearly internet can be used for calls. While hard-wired internet is not as common as wifi, it is the healthier, more secure and private choice. Given Mudita clearly isn’t trying to make a common phone, will wired ethernet (internet) calling equivalent to wifi calling, but with phone on aeroplane mode, be possible on Kompakt?

It would be good to know if there are issues in the way of Mudita providing ethernet (wired internet) calls on Kompakt. Does anyone have more in-depth technical information about all that’s required for well-functioning ethernet cabled internet calling with mobile phones switched to aeroplane mode? By this I’m meaning both wired in ethernet (internet) calls equivalent to wifi calling and also calls via sideloaded apps (such as Telegram, Signal or Session).

Mudita has very actively promoted e-ink benefits, phone privacy and mindfulness, consequently awareness and interest have grown. It would be consistent with Mudita’s mission to take the opportunity for further supporting users’ well-being and privacy by adopting and actively promoting ethernet cabled calling options for Kompakt.

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@neatsolutions Yes, calling via external apps (e.g., Telegram, Signal, Session) should work over an ethernet connection, as long as the phone can access the internet through the cable.
I am waiting for clarification on whether native calling (without an external/ third-party app) over ethernet will work on Mudita Kompakt. Our team is testing it.

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@neatsolutions UPDATE: Our team said that that it does also work for native calling without external/ third party apps :slight_smile:

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This is fabulous, @urszula I am so happy.

Along with my questions about EMF and SAR while on flight mode - here: IS the Mudita Kompakt a smartphone? I best ask how much testing Kompakt had for USB-C insertion and removal without failure.

I know a lot of drop testing went on to assure of robustness for everyday impacts. Has testing occurred of how many times the USB-C port will tolerate insertion and removal of a cable? I will be doing this for both charging and ethernet connectivity.

I ask because my ethernet cable port on my computer eventually died and I am committed to low-emf, wired in technology use for well-being, so I am interested how long the USB-C port is likely to last. It’s a much bigger deal if it dies than if a cable dies! My computer was not unplugged and re-plugged nearly as often as a phone will be.

This is a test that ideally would be done until failure of the connection, to give an idea how long it’s likely to last. I am very unlikely to drop my phone as many times as your drop test, but this one is high use and I’ve no idea how durable USB-C ports are. or if there’s technique that will better preserve it. This is worthy of attention for the sake of preserving the hardware. @kirkmahoneyphd is the main contributor here who mentions regular use of phone via ethernet cable, but there must be others who’ve thought about this. My current phone worked well with cable adapter to the phone until recently when the internet drops in and out. Obviously this is a total disaster, ending usefulness. I guess I buy another adapter to see, but i don’t see any sign of damage and wasn’t moving the cord when the dropouts occurred. Overcome these kind of hardware challenges is crucial for wired in internet connectivity.

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@neatsolutions Are you asking asking about the durability of the USB-C port on the Mudita Kompakt?
Like, how many times it can withstand insertion and removal of a cable before failing?
Is that the question you would like me to ask the team? I just want to make sure I understand your concern clearly.

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Yes, @urszula, that’s exactly right.
And any suggestions for how to reduce wear as one inserts a USB-C plug into the port on Kompakt over and over again.

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@neatsolutions
The USB-C port on the Mudita Kompakt is designed to handle many years of regular use, especially since its E Ink display helps extend battery life, meaning users need to charge the device less frequently compared to regular smartphones. This reduces overall wear on the port over time.
While we haven’t done extensive testing on this specific aspect yet, the connector meets industry durability standards.
To minimize wear, we recommend inserting and removing the cable gently, keeping the port clean, and using the cable provided in the box for optimal compatibility. A magnetic adapter can also help reduce strain over time.

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Thanks @urszula
By magnetic adapter, are you meaning wireless charging? That would help with charging, but not with connecting to ethernet fully-wired internet.
Or are you meaning something different?

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I think she means a connector where the part that goes into the phone stays in the phone, and this part interfaces the rest of the cable but what keeps it together is some magnets. So if, for example, you trip on the cable, it will likely detach without interfering with the port or pulling the phone on the ground.
At least that’s how I get it, I saw it only once in my life. :slight_smile:

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@neatsolutions & @buiosu I’m referring to the magnetic adapter as shown in the picture

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Oh, interesting @urszula. How well does the magnetic adapter work for Kompakt connecting to wired-in, ethernet cable internet?

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Trying to help, I found this as a possible solution - a magnetic USB-C extension socket that you can combine with a fixed USB-C cable. I haven’t found Ethernet->USB-C with magnetic USB-C part so far.

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@neatsolutions I haven’t tried it with Mudita Kompakt. However, it’s worth noting that:

According to new EU regulations (2023/1670) devices should be able to tolerate insertion and removal of a cable more than 12000 times (from 06-2025). Mudita Kompakt fulfils this requirement. We even tested up to 15K & it’s OK.

So, if you charge your phone every 6 days, then you’re inserting/removing the cable around 60 times per year. If it’s been tested to be fully functional at 15000 insertions/removals, then you’re looking at 250 years before it fails. I don’t know about you, but that’s a REALLY long time :slight_smile:
Yes, the tests were done in a laboratory environment, so take that into consideration.

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As I plan to use a USB-C cable adapter for wired connection via ethernet cable to internet, there will be a lot more cable insertion than just for charging. I am still reassured though! It should be fine for a long time!

The suggestions for magnetic connector may help reduce wear from charging even if it doesn’t help with wear from wired internet connection. This is a good idea.

I’ve never cleaned a USB port, so I’m guessing the advice to keep it clean is about avoiding getting dirt on it. Is there any advice for cleaning a USB port if it accidentally gets dirt in it somehow @urszula?

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@neatsolutions

If your USB-C port gets dirty, cleaning it properly is key to avoiding damage. Here’s a safe and effective way to clean it:

Turn the device off.

Always power down the phone first to avoid any risk of shorting or damaging the hardware.

Use a can of compressed air.

  • Hold the phone with the port facing down.
  • Give a few short bursts of air into the port.
  • This often dislodges loose dust or lint without contact.

Do not shake the can before using, and hold it upright to avoid spraying liquid propellant into the port.

:warning: What Not to Do

  • Don’t use metal tools (pins, paperclips) — they can damage the port or short it out.
  • Don’t use liquids (alcohol, water, cleaning sprays) — moisture and electronics don’t mix.
  • Don’t jam anything in there — the port has delicate pins.
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This is great, practical information @urszula Thank you!

Would air from an air compressor be more intense than air from a can/pressure pack? Could air compressor air be safely used to blow dirt out of USB-C port if done gently? I guess distance between nozzle where compressed air comes out of can or compressor hose end will determine the pressure - greater distance = less pressure. But how much pressure is ok…?

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I have found the old trick of a quick, short DRY breath to work quite well to blow out bits of dust from within a port… probably not recommended by manufacturers but just avoid the spittle :smiley: and it should be okay for a quick fix!

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@neatsolutions I’ve only ever use cans of compressed air. There are actually reasons behind.

  • Canned air is designed for safe use on electronics. It generally delivers around 0.5–1.0 bar (7–14 psi) in short, controlled bursts.
  • Air compressors, on the other hand, can deliver much higher pressure, often 6–10 bar (90–145 psi) — way too much for a USB-C port at close range if unregulated.

So, an air compressor is more intense, and extra caution is needed if you go that route. Personally, I wouldn’t.

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Very helpful to have the actual bars of pressure comparison - big difference!

Thanks @urszula

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