At #39c3 in Hamburg I connected to the local MeshCore network called HanseMesh. I've been fascinated by what Hanseatic League created in 13th to 15th-ish century. Decentralized loose association of traders, outposts, city states, ports, etc to facilitate trade.
I just realized they're recreating a form of this in the mesh network, also decentralized. And not only in topology of the network, but for the involvement.
I've been interacting with Slovak MeshCore network, tried it yesterday from Austria, there's Hungary and hopefully soon Czech republic through the bridge. In Bratislava there is basically no area that is not well covered. I can use it by putting a node in my pocket, everywhere. In a tram, inside of most buildings, etc.
Are we creating Austria-Hungary? At least sort of, not out of nostalgia, that sucks. We've been separated by the iron curtain for decades, but it's an area that used to be integrated. Not as decentralized as the Hanse, but still working together.
Vienna is not as well covered as Bratislava yet. In Slovakia people are literally building repeaters all the time, it's a matter of challenge, a bit of prestige (who's repeater transmitted my message?).
What is fascinating though is that it's a bit like building a mobile operator. I always thought that it is a bit impossible task. Cover all the places, with radio, that requires skill. Meshcore is like that but punk. There's no central plan - you can build your repeater anywhere you want. You won't get money. But you'll get advice (I turned off my repeater after realizing it's in area so well covered I'm basically spamming the band with repeats that don't add anything). Most of it is solar+ battery. And it all emerges from people in a loose association with each other. A bit like the Hanseatic League.
Beautiful.
