I think I might have asked about this before but if cell phone and land line phone service is wiped out, what of satellite phones? Couldn't they do something to prevent us from using satellite phones?https://sat123.com/
On 10/3/2025 11:41 AM, someone wrote:
What I'm asking is whether we ought to get one in case SHTF and both cell phone use and land use go kaputt or would those in charge of the satellites (maybe elon musk) would turn off that service, too. If that happened, we got a couple of two-way "analog emergency radios" and [wife] said she has (somewhere) a CB radio but I want to be prepared (and I might put this sort of info in one of my stories)
> On Friday, October 3, 2025 at 05:24:57 AM PDT, someone wrote:
> Probably, but the government criminals also have them. So I think the chances are way lower because of that.
Received: 2025-10-03 11:36:50
I am not using it now, but still have my Love pod which has a mesh network which might be related to meshtastic. It costs me $54 a month for rural and uses satellite and/ or cell towers. It costs $200.
I'm just using WiFi at home for my connection in the past few months. If I really want service I can pay for another month.
On Friday, October 3rd, 2025 at 12:19 PM, someone wrote:
I assume the satellite owners can always turn those off.
Here's another option (from Copilot):
Meshtastic 'phones' aren't phones in the traditional sense--they're off-grid, low-power communication devices built around LoRa (Long Range) radio technology. They're part of a growing ecosystem designed for decentralized, peer-to-peer messaging without relying on cell towers, Wi-Fi, or satellites. Here's a breakdown of what makes them tick:
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What Meshtastic Devices Actually Are
- LoRa-based communicators: They use long-range radio frequencies (typically 433, 868, or 915 MHz) to form mesh networks.
- No SIM cards or data plans: Communication is free and local, ideal for hiking, emergency prep, or remote work.
- Firmware-driven: Devices run Meshtastic firmware, which handles routing, encryption, and messaging.
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Popular Meshtastic-Compatible Devices
Device Name MCU Type LoRa Chip Key Features Price Range
B&Q Nano G2 Ultra nRF52840 SX1262 GPS, OLED screen, Bluetooth 5.4, ~3.5-day battery life ~$85--90
LilyGO T-Watch S3 ESP32-S3 SX1262 Wearable form factor, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, accelerometer, haptics ~$40--50
LilyGO T-Echo nRF52840 SX1262 GPS, Bluetooth, e-paper display, rugged case Varies
RAK WisBlock Modular system SX126x/LR11xx Solar-ready, customizable base/core/peripheral modules Varies
Heltec LoRa 32 V3 ESP32 SX1262 Budget-friendly, basic screen, good for beginners ~$25--35
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Key Tech Considerations
- Chipsets: Devices with SX126x or LR11xx LoRa chips offer better range and reliability than newer SX127x models.
- Power efficiency: nRF52-based boards are ideal for solar or long-term use; ESP32 boards are cheaper but more power-hungry.
- Form factor: Options range from wrist-worn smartwatches to rugged handhelds and base stations.
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Use Cases
- Outdoor adventures: Stay connected off-grid while hiking, camping, or skiing.
- Emergency networks: Build resilient local communication during disasters or outages.
- DIY mesh networks: Great for hobbyists, preppers, and tech tinkerers.
See www.nhmesh.com - meshtastic.org - adrelien.com
