Emergency communication without internet
What if the internet fails during a disaster? With MeshCore you stay in contact with family, friends and neighbors – completely without internet or mobile network
Why you need emergency communication without internet
During a major power outage, cyberattack or natural disaster, the internet often fails first. Mobile networks follow shortly after. WhatsApp, telephony, email – nothing works anymore. But how do you stay in contact with your loved ones?
Traditional emergency communication like FM radio helps you receive information, but you cannot communicate back. You don't know if your family is safe, where they are, if they need help. This is where MeshCore emergency communication without internet makes the difference.
When internet and mobile network fail
There are various scenarios where you are without internet and telephony. Think of:
⚡ National power outage (blackout)
Cell towers fail after 4-8 hours of battery reserve. Internet stops working. Telephony and WhatsApp are unreachable.
💻 Cyberattack on infrastructure
Hacks on telecom providers, DNS servers or internet backbone can take entire regions offline. Think of the DDoS attack on Dyn (2016) that shut down large parts of the internet.
🌊 Natural disasters
Floods, storms or earthquakes damage physical infrastructure. Cables, cell towers and data centers go offline.
📡 Provider outage
KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile – major network outages occur. In 2022 KPN had an outage affecting millions of customers.
🎯 Deliberate sabotage
Cables cut, cell towers disabled. Happens more often than you think, especially in conflict areas.
💡 The common problem
In all these scenarios you have no access to internet, mobile networks or telephony. Traditional communication methods don't work. You are isolated. But with a mesh network like MeshCore you remain connected.
MeshCore: Emergency communication that always works
MeshCore is a mesh network that works via LoRa radio technology. It needs no internet, mobile network or central infrastructure. Devices communicate directly with each other and forward messages via other nearby devices.
LocalMesh is the Dutch citizens' initiative that helps people use MeshCore as reliable emergency communication without internet. It is completely free, independent and works even during complete blackout.
How does emergency communication without internet work?
MeshCore uses a mesh network principle that works fundamentally different from internet or mobile networks:
1. Direct contact between devices
Your LoRa radio transmitter communicates directly with other transmitters nearby (up to ~1km). No internet or cell tower needed.
2. Messages hop via repeaters
If the receiver is further away, intermediate devices (repeaters) forward the message. Each device is a link in the network.
3. Smart routing
MeshCore automatically finds the best route for your message. Even if some links fail, the network seeks an alternative path.
4. End-to-end encryption
Private messages are encrypted. Only you and the receiver can read them – nobody else, not even intermediate repeaters.
Why MeshCore is the best emergency communication
Completely independent
No internet, no mobile network, no provider, no central infrastructure needed. Always works.
Long battery life
LoRa radio transmitters last days to weeks on one battery. Perfect for prolonged crisis situations.
Completely free
No subscription, no monthly costs, no provider. One-time purchase from €50.
Easy to use
Pair via Bluetooth to your smartphone. Sending messages is as simple as WhatsApp.
Growing network
The network is growing fast in the Netherlands with active users and repeaters. The more people participate, the stronger the network.
Privacy guaranteed
End-to-end encryption for private messages. Nobody can read or intercept messages.
What can you do with it?
Practical applications of emergency communication without internet:
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Reach family: Know if your partner, children or parents are safe
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Share location: Let people know where you are, especially important during evacuations
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Ask for help: If you are in need, you can reach others
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Organize neighborhood: Coordinate with neighbors, share information, help each other
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Share updates: Share what you hear via other channels (radio, word of mouth)
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Report safety: Let people know you are ok, prevent them from worrying
Emergency communication options compared
| Optie | Voordelen | Nadelen |
|---|---|---|
| FM/AM Radio |
✓ Receives official updates
✓ Cheap (€15-40)
|
✗ Only receive, not transmit
✗ One-way communication
|
| Satellite phone |
✓ Works anywhere in the world
✓ Direct calling
|
✗ Very expensive (€500-2000 + subscription)
✗ Monthly costs (€50-200)
|
| CB Radio / Walkie-talkie |
✓ Two-way communication
✓ Affordable (€50-150)
|
✗ Limited range (~5km)
✗ No encryption, everyone can listen
|
| MeshCore Mesh Network |
✓ Two-way communication
✓ Completely free (no subscription)
✓ Encrypted (privacy)
✓ Growing network (stronger over time)
|
Needs network (works better with more users)
|
How to start with MeshCore?
In 4 steps you have emergency communication without internet:
Step 1: Buy a LoRa radio transmitter (from €50 on Aliexpress/Amazon)
Step 2: Install the free MeshCore app on your smartphone
Step 3: Pair the transmitter via Bluetooth to your phone
Step 4: Test by sending a message to other users
See the complete guide with recommended devices and installation guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does MeshCore really work without internet?
Yes, completely. MeshCore uses LoRa radio signals that go directly between devices. No internet, WiFi, mobile network or provider needed. It works even during complete blackout.
What is the range without internet?
Direct range is ~1km in built-up areas, up to 10+ km in open fields. Via repeaters a message can travel much further. The network of repeaters in the Netherlands is continuously growing.
How many people already use MeshCore?
The network is growing fast in the Netherlands. In The Hague, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and other cities there are active communities.
Is it difficult to set up?
No, it's as easy as pairing Bluetooth headphones. Download the app, pair the transmitter, done. The community is happy to help with questions.
Can I be reached when I am offline?
Yes! Messages are forwarded via the mesh network, even if you are temporarily offline. As soon as you are within range again, you receive the messages.
What does it cost per month?
Nothing at all! MeshCore is completely free, no subscription, no provider, no monthly costs. Only a one-time purchase of the transmitter.
Prepare yourself with reliable emergency communication
Internet and mobile networks are vulnerable. During disasters, outages or attacks you cannot rely on traditional communication. MeshCore emergency communication without internet offers a reliable, free and independent alternative.
Become part of the growing mesh network in the Netherlands. The more people participate, the stronger we stand together.