Emergency communication completely free
MeshCore is completely free to use. No subscription, no provider, no monthly costs. One-time purchase, lifetime use.
Why emergency communication must be free
Communication is a basic need, especially during emergencies. But most communication methods cost money: mobile subscriptions, satellite phones, data costs. You keep paying monthly, even when you don't use the network.
MeshCore is different. It's a decentralized mesh network without commercial parties, central servers or subscriptions. You buy a LoRa radio device once (from €50) and then never pay again. The network works by the community – for the community in the Netherlands.
How much does MeshCore cost?
One-time: €50-€150 for a LoRa radio device
Per month: €0
Per year: €0
Lifetime: €0
Cost comparison: MeshCore vs alternatives
| Option | One-time cost | Per month | Per year (total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MeshCore | €50-€150 | €0 | €0 |
| Mobile subscription | €0-€50 (device) | €20-€40 | €240-€480 |
| Satellite phone | €500-€2000 | €50-€200 | €1100-€4400 |
| Walkie Talkie | €50-€150 | €0 | €0 |
Conclusion: MeshCore costs are comparable to walkie-talkies, but offers much more functionality (greater range, encryption, mesh network).
How can MeshCore be free?
1. No central infrastructure
MeshCore doesn't need cell towers, servers or data centers. The network consists of users' devices themselves. Therefore there are no operational costs that need to be passed on.
2. No provider or middleman
There's no commercial company trying to make profit. MeshCore is open-source technology. LocalMesh is a citizen initiative without profit motive in the Netherlands.
3. Peer-to-peer communication
Messages go directly from device to device. There's no service being "sold" – it's just radio communication between your device and other devices.
4. Community-driven network
Everyone who places a repeater strengthens the network for others in the Netherlands. It's a collective investment without a central party charging costs.
Benefits of free emergency communication
No monthly costs
Pay once for the device and use it for the rest of your life for free. No subscription, no bills.
No contracts
Not tied to a provider or contract. Use it when you want, as often as you want.
Accessible to everyone
Because there are no costs, emergency communication is accessible to everyone in the Netherlands – regardless of income.
Open and transparent
No hidden costs, rates or surprises. Everything is free and open-source.
Grows organically
Because it's free, more people participate. More users means stronger network – without extra costs.
Independent of economy
Even if you have no money (crisis, unemployment), your emergency communication keeps working. Not dependent on ability to pay.
Are there really no hidden costs?
No, MeshCore truly has no hidden costs. No fine print:
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No activation costs: Turn on the device and it works
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No data costs: There is no data – it works via radio
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No roaming costs: Use it anywhere the network exists
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No extra costs for messages: Send as many messages as you want
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No costs per minute or MB: Completely unlimited use
Frequently asked questions
Is MeshCore really completely free?
Yes. You buy a LoRa radio device once (€50-€150) and then never pay anything again. No subscription, no monthly costs, no hidden costs.
Why is no subscription needed?
Because MeshCore has no central infrastructure. The network consists of users' devices themselves. There are no servers, cell towers or providers you need to pay.
How does LocalMesh make money?
LocalMesh doesn't make money. It's a citizen initiative without profit motive in the Netherlands. We refer to device sellers, but don't sell anything ourselves.
Do I need to pay for extra features?
No, all features are free. Sending messages, sharing location, private and group chats – everything works without extra costs.
Are there limits on the number of messages?
There's no commercial limit, but there is a fair use policy to not overload the network. For normal communication you won't notice this.
What if the device breaks?
Then you buy a new device. But there are no recurring costs. The investment is one-time.
Reliable emergency communication without recurring costs
Communication during emergencies must be accessible and affordable for everyone in the Netherlands. MeshCore offers that: completely free, no subscription, no monthly costs. One-time investment, lifetime use.
Start today with free emergency communication and be prepared without recurring costs.