The Mesh Infrastructure Society had its inaugural meeting on April 25, which included both a lecture on mesh communication technology and a hands on receiver assembly workshop. President and founder of the organization Eric Meyer states that its mission is “to build a resilient, off-grid messaging network for the community.” MIS is dedicated to educating the public in the use of affordable and rugged technologies, such as long range radio and MeshCore off-grid hardware and software, with the long-term goal of creating an independent, secure San Antonio mesh network that can continue running during power outages.
It is an ambitious, socially-minded project that will take time and effort to make a reality, but as Meyer demonstrated during his opening lecture, it has already been accomplished in Austin. Furthermore, in the Pacific Northwest, the CascadiaMesh has been established. Described by Meyer as “a continuous, solar-powered digital backbone that stretches from the northern tip of California all the way north into Vancouver, Canada,” the CascadiaMesh demonstrates what can be accomplished over time by organized and motivated individuals.
In pursuit of this project, MIS hosted representatives from several community organizations — such as the Bexar County Amateur Radio Emergency Service, the San Antonio Radio Club and the Terra Inverta South Mutual Assistance Group — for a free exchange of ideas and expertise in how to best begin building San Antonio’s mesh infrastructure.
MIS brings together individuals from different age groups and professions who share a common passion for communication technology and are eager to help anyone interested in learning. This arrangement also offers an excellent opportunity for networking — pun intended — to any student considering careers in technology, communications, crisis management or just those interested in community service and engagement.
With an increasingly unreliable energy infrastructure, intensifying violent weather events and the spectre of digital mass surveillance and repression looming over everyone, the prospect of a community built, self-sufficient and secure communication network and the skills MIA offers to teach presents a vital alternative.
Students interested in learning more about MIS can join via their RowdyLink page, follow their Instagram, visit their website and join their Discord. Meyer will be speaking more about MeshCore technology on June 13 at BSIDES SATX and hopes to offer technical workshops over the summer with plans for general meetings every other month during fall semester.
