Question 1

What is Meshtastic?

Accepted Answer

Meshtastic is a network of small, inexpensive radios that acts like an area-wide text messaging system, allowing people to communicate publicly or privately with anyone on the network. All of this happens without any external infrastructure - no power, no cell phone towers, no internet.

Question 2

Can you explain it like I'm 5?

Accepted Answer

Imagine passing notes in class: you write one, copy it a few times, and hand it to others, who do the same. Even if some get lost, the note spreads to everyone. This is like an unencrypted message on a network.

Now, if you want only certain people to read it, you write in a secret code and give them the decoder key. The note still gets passed around, but only they can understand it. That would be like an encrypted message.

Meshtastic works the same way, but with digital messages sent over radio waves. Powered by solar, it needs no internet or cell service and works even if the power is out.

Question 3

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

We have set up a number of solar-powered radios throughout Florida. These radios communicate on the 906.875 MHZ frequency using the LoRa protocol. The radios mesh using the open-source Meshtastic software. Users can connect to this network using their own Meshtastic radio and a Bluetooth connection on their phone if they’re close enough or they can use their own handheld nodes - either way, any static, handheld, or mobile Meshtastic node/radios will also act as repeaters. The messages hop from node to node, extending the reach of the network and ensuring everyone receives every message.

Question 4

Why build a mesh network in the first place?

Accepted Answer

First responders have access to FirstNet, a hardened, prioritized cellular service operated by AT&T. Ordinary citizens have no equivalent “network of last resort”… or at least they didn’t until Meshtastic was developed. Meshtastic is being used in (preparation for) emergency scenarios by ordinary citizens because it is inexpensive to buy individual nodes and doesn’t depend on infrastructure. Meshtastic’s relay (mesh) functionality is automatic, and it can easily be deployed by individuals or in groups such as a neighborhood.

Question 5

What kind of coverage is there in the Suwannee valley?

Accepted Answer

As of the summer of 2025, there are a handful of people living in Suwannee, Hamilton, Columbia, LaFayette, and Madison counties that use Meshtastic and operate nodes. The network is essentially non-existent here, but we are working to raise awareness and build interest in Meshtastic among community members.

Question 6

What kind of coverage does Florida have?

Accepted Answer

Florida has one of the largest and fastest-growing Meshtastic communities in the U.S. We have extensive Meshtastic coverage, especially in the major metro areas of Miami-Dade/Broward, Tampa Bay, and Orlando. Some areas with growing Meshtastic use are Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Fort Meyers, with more scattered coverage in other areas.

Suwannee Valley Mesh

SVM is a project with the goal of expanding mesh and radio communications in the Suwannee valley and surrounding North Florida areas using Meshtastic.

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