DharmaTel is a word that was visible on the blast door map inside the Swan. Its exact meaning is unknown, but it is believed to be an island-wide network connecting the DHARMA Initiative stations, the "?" (The Pearl) at the center of the map, and the Barracks.
Clear references on the blast door map[]
- "no safe location for DharmaTel servers/hub/cabling or infrastructure" – 7:00 position
- “stationwide failure of dharmatel intranet 4.08.00 8.15.01 01.06.03” – 6:00 position
- “sightings coincide with emergency shutdown of INTRANET SERVICES OF HEIGHTENED SECURITY” – 4:00 position
- “WHY SO MANY DHARMATEL RELAYS TO SUCH AN UNTENABLE LOCATION?”
Possible references on blast door map[]
- There are several distinct straight lines drawn to/from each of the stations. These lines could be indicating DharmaTel connections between locations.
- If you look closely, you can see that the lines between the stations form an envelope.
- "suspected shut down date: 10.28.84" – 2:00 position
- “complete shutdown in effect” – 6:00 position
Likely functions[]
- The instant messaging on the Swan computer, when Michael communicated with Walt.
- The video feeds for the monitors in The Pearl.
- Provides an early warning system to Ben's house when the sonar fence is turned off.
- A phone system seen in the Barracks.
The DHARMA cabling map[]
- The DHARMA cabling map was found by Sayid in a DHARMA Initiative manual set at the Flame. It shows that the DharmaTel infrastructure extends from the Flame station to the Barracks.
- The Flame station seemed to be the communications hub for the entire island. It connected the Barracks with the other stations on the Island. It also contained a satellite uplink for communications with the outside world and controlled the sonar beacon.
- This is also what is probably used to connect and communicate between the hatches.
- Characters are seen using telephones even though there are no visible over-head telelphone wires. DharmaTel was the telephone network on the island as well.