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Consider a low-power mesh text network (optional)

LoRa mesh devices relay short text messages from radio to radio without any network. They suit estate and neighbourhood messaging but are a volunteer-run open-source project, not an emergency service.

How

1. Read the project documentation first. The Meshtastic project describes cheap LoRa radios that rebroadcast messages to form a mesh, paired with a phone for typing.
2. Check that LoRa use is licence-free in your country and set the device to your region. The project's own settings guide says a node will not transmit until a region is set, that its built-in power ceiling per region is not your national legal limit, and that amateur band presets need an amateur licence. Check your national band plan.
3. EU example: on the 868 MHz band the project's radio settings page gives up to +27 dBm ERP with a 10 percent duty cycle. National law decides.
4. Place one node high up at the house, powered from the comms battery, to extend reach to neighbours.
5. Remember each node pairs with only one phone at a time, so plan one node per person who needs to send messages.
6. Use it as an extra layer in the PACE plan, never as the only way to call for help.

Sources

1. Meshtastic introduction. Meshtastic project, accessed 2026-11
2. LoRa Configuration (region and transmit power settings). Meshtastic project, accessed 2026-11
3. Radio settings (regions, power and duty cycle). Meshtastic project, accessed 2026-11

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