This month’s weather disaster has served as a stark reminder of how fragile our telecommunications infrastructure can be, according to alternative communications enthusiast Rob Vile.

The solution is a community-driven network set up by volunteers, says the Tauranga resident who hopes to expand an alternative service across the Eastern Bay.

Over the previous year he has successfully linked communities from Whakatāne to Waihi Beach, and this keeps getting bigger as more repeaters are deployed.

Mr Vile has self-funded the building and installation of 30 low-powered radio repeaters built on high points across the region.

His goal is to build a resilient text-based network, known as MeshCore, that could one day span the country and provide an off-grid self-sustaining alternative to existing services.

MeshCore uses low-cost repeater units placed on high-altitude geographic points.

These “boxes” send and receive encrypted text messages via LoRa (long range) radio technology, operating independently of cellular networks or the internet.

The hardware comprises a box measuring about 150x100mm and weighing under 500g.

These are fully autonomous, powered by small solar panels and operate as a decentralised, so-called “multi-hop” network.

If one node is damaged, the system automatically reroutes messages through other active units.

“The network’s growth relies almost entirely on the generosity of local landowners.

The units require a clear line-of-sight to function, so I often spend my time knocking on doors to ask permission to mount equipment on privately owned hills or buildings.

“I just explain what we’re trying to achieve; often the landowner grasps the importance of it all and gives permission immediately.”

A heat pump installer by trade, Mr Vile has been funding the project personally while recovering from a serious accident that left him unable to work two years ago.

He is not alone.

“There is now a growing movement of roughly 150 volunteers nationwide working to establish this off-grid service.

“The storms this month highlighted the need for additional communications systems. Landslides and flooding physically severed fibre cables and downed towers. Across the North Island dozens of cell sites, which had relied on limited battery backups, failed entirely.

“The results were pretty grim, as many residents were left unable to request emergency aid or check on loved ones.”

Mr Vile said the official uptake of the system was proving to be “bafflingly slow”.

Despite its proven utility and its reported use by the Gisborne District Council, he had found it difficult to engage with other local authorities.

“It’s possible councils wish to reserve this technology for official Civil Defence use. But many of us believe it would be better to deploy as a grassroots system, sustained by and for the public. You don’t have to be a genius to see how useful all this is in an emergency.”

“MeshCore may not be a silver bullet for all this our infrastructure woes, but simplicity and reliability are its great strengths.

“I want to make many families and people aware that there is a community owned and driven system out there just in case the worst happens. It’s ideal for those who want to ensure they can keep in touch with loved ones, and community groups like Neighbourhood.

“People can email me for more information via [email protected].”