Have you ever needed to send a message when there’s no Wi-Fi and no mobile signal? The OSSMalta Community is excited to announce a new project to build a resilient, community-driven, off-grid communication network for the Maltese islands using Meshtastic.
What is Meshtastic?
Meshtastic is an open-source project that uses small, low-power, and inexpensive ($30-50) devices to create a long-range, off-grid mesh network. Think of it like a private text-messaging or GPS-tracking network that works even when all other forms of communication are down. It’s perfect for hikers, boaters, preppers, or anyone interested in resilient communication.
The OSSMalta Plan: Simulated Coverage
We have been planning the first phase of a national network, and our initial simulations are looking very promising. Using the “long fast EU_868” preset, we’ve mapped out several proposed locations for relay nodes (indicated by the purple markers in the map below).
As the simulation shows, these proposed nodes could provide significant coverage (green and yellow areas) across large parts of Malta and Gozo.
But we’re not just looking at our own shores. Under the right atmospheric conditions, our simulations show that a weak but possible link could even be established with Sicily, opening up exciting possibilities for long-range data links to be extended across countries or continents.
Resilience First: Solar-Powered Nodes
A communication network is only truly resilient if it can survive a power outage. That’s why a key goal of this project is to build these proposed community nodes as solar-powered relays.
By running independently of the national power grid, these nodes would ensure that our community network remains operational, even during a widespread blackout. This provides a vital layer of security and connectivity for all users.
The Future Vision: Malta as a Global Mesh Hub
This national network is just the beginning. Once it’s established, we have an even more ambitious goal.
Discussions are already underway between Meshtastic and OSSMalta members in Italy and Libya to attempt an intercontinental link. The vision is to connect the Maltese islands with both Europe and North Africa, positioning Malta as an international mesh communications hub—the first of its kind.
This groundbreaking project would bridge continents with a low-power, resilient wireless data network, though if its limited to what Meshtastic is capable of for the time being.
A Call to the Community: Get Involved!
This is a community network, and we want you to be a part of it.
While there are already a couple of nodes active on the international Meshtastic map (as seen in the image below), our proposed solar nodes will create the backbone for a truly national, collaborative network.
We are inviting everyone to help us build and grow this network. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Join the Network: If you already have a Meshtastic device or are planning to get one, we invite you to sign up and become part of this collaborative effort. More users mean a stronger, more reliable mesh!
- Sponsor a Node: These solar-powered relay nodes have a cost. We are actively seeking sponsors—whether individuals or businesses—who would like to cover the purchase of one or more of these nodes to help build out our national infrastructure.
- Get Support: Are you a business or user interested in buying your own node but don’t know where to start? The OSSMalta community is here to help. We can provide guidance and support to get you set up and connected.
- A Call to LoRa Manufacturers: To achieve our ambitious intercontinental goals, we will be pushing the limits of LoRa technology. We invite LoRa manufacturers and hardware suppliers who are interested in this pioneering project to get in touch. Your support, sponsorship, or hardware contributions could be vital in making this world-first mesh hub a reality.
This is an exciting step towards creating a robust, independent, and community-owned communication network for Malta, with the potential to connect us to the world.
To get involved, sign up, or learn more about sponsorship, please contact us here or on our social media pages
