Tom Nomad on Nostr: I would recommend looking into LoRa and Meshtastic networks. LoRa is a radio protocol ...

I would recommend looking into LoRa and Meshtastic networks. LoRa is a radio protocol (we use 915 MHz locally) that allows for text based communications over distance using a protocol called CHIRP.

Meshtastic is a framework built on top of LoRa which adds chat capability, adds encryption for messages with unique keys for each user, and creates a mesh net of devices to increase signal range.

I like this solution for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is off the internet and the cellular network, and works over commonly used radio frequencies, so they can't be jammed without significant social consequences. Secondly, this is going to force us to make our own devices. Thirdly, you have to proliferate the devices, they can only communicate with one another, so it only makes sense to do if more than one of us is doing it, necessitating the development of a network.

Making a LoRa device is not particularly difficult. You can get a HelTec board for around $15 US, and can get a Lilygo TDeck, which has screen and keyboard, for around $50. A 3D printer, a LION battery, and a little bit of time to flash firmware and configure things and you have a comms device.