It would be nice to be able to chat with people in your vicinity.  Right now, bots only show up on your screen if you are within 1000m of them, so it would stand to reason that if there was such a thing as local chat, it would be a short range broadcast to any other players within 1000m.

A chat tab dedicated to this that is always up while outside of the station would be an amazing addition to this game.  Not only would it allow conversation with those around you, but also, it would allow for quick deals to be made on beta islands when you don't have the time to open up a private conversation to bargain for safe passage or what-not.

Kritus