Mesh p2p networks do not scale to more than a few hundred nodes sending sparse small messages, unless you can add base stations scattered around that have a mor

Mesh p2p networks do not scale to more than a few hundred nodes sending sparse small messages, unless you can add base stations scattered around that have a more robust power source. However, some people in many areas have generators or can use their car to power their cellphone, which could act as a base station. So why don't cellphones have an emergency mode that lets them 1) send+receive p2p text messages using the cellular radio 2) lets them relay p2p text messages if the cellphone detects that it is plugged into a power source? Seems like this could be really useful when power is out over wide areas.