Abstract: A system and method that allows users of wireless mobile devices such as cellular telephones to automatically identify one another, alert users to detection of nearby users, transmit information of common interest and communicate in real-time at increased distances. Two mobile devices may in embodiments identify one another using Bluetooth or other short-range wireless communications, and exchange Bluetooth Identification Keys or other identification data. The identification keys may be correlated in an instant network server or other network intelligence, which may then set up a second, wide-area, real-time connection between the users. The users may then communicate in real time over the wide-era network using SMS, MMS, wireless IP, voice channel, or other networks, connections or protocols. The users may thus pass out of short-range wireless range and still maintain real-time wide-area communication with users or institutions who have registered common interests, activities or pursuits.