Methods that allow a mobile device to communicate with a wireless communications network via device-to-device communication when the device is out of range of the network are provided. One method, at a first mobile device, comprises receiving a message from a second mobile device, adding information to the message, forwarding the message to a network if a network connection is available for the first mobile device, and forwarding the message to a third mobile device if no network connection is available. Another method at a mobile device comprises receiving an indication that an emergency condition exists, sending a message from the device to a network element if a network connection between the mobile device and network element exists, and sending the message from the device to a second mobile device if no network connection between the mobile device and a network element exists. Mobile devices configured to perform these methods are also provided.