Shouldnt we be funding/supporting a mesh network ?

[Elwar]

The trouble these days with the Internet is the ISPs. They are the weakest link in between us and the government.

To create a mesh around the ISPs but can still connect to the Internet is the way to go.

I believe that Bitcoin is the key to funding such a thing.

I would be fine with becoming an Internet repeater that generates Bitcoins on a pay per use type of structure.

And like many who have been looking at the pirate boxes, setting up solar powered repeaters all over town (on top of light poles, tall trees, water tower, etc.) to create a full mesh would bipass the whole need for an ISP.

If people can set up repeaters and get paid like people are getting paid to mine, we could reach the point where the mesh grid is more widely accessed than ISPs.

[shamaniotastook]

The trouble these days with the Internet is the ISPs. They are the weakest link in between us and the government.

To create a mesh around the ISPs but can still connect to the Internet is the way to go.

I believe that Bitcoin is the key to funding such a thing.

I would be fine with becoming an Internet repeater that generates Bitcoins on a pay per use type of structure.

And like many who have been looking at the pirate boxes, setting up solar powered repeaters all over town (on top of light poles, tall trees, water tower, etc.) to create a full mesh would bipass the whole need for an ISP.

If people can set up repeaters and get paid like people are getting paid to mine, we could reach the point where the mesh grid is more widely accessed than ISPs.

now this is starting to make some sense

[MoonShadow]

it really isn't worth arguing, but just one more question and then i'll leave it alone...how long you think you're power will be on if the 'Internet' fails? again, i should just shut up, but talking about proposing any network to simply act as a 'backup' for the internet just doesn't make sense in my world...but who knows what works in your world...

I was once an electritian in a former life, and I have experience with solar arrays, dc power conversion & ham radio.  So, yeah, I think I can manage it.

[Stephen Gornick]

To create a mesh around the ISPs but can still connect to the Internet is the way to go.

Here's what you are describing:

Mesh networks can also connect to the wider commercial internet, which KC Freedom Network does right now through a central access point — a commercial data center downtown, which is housed in one of the city’s tallest buildings called Oak Tower, providing ample opportunity to beam the bits around town using a microwave transmitter.

 - http://www.theverge.com/2013/9/11/4580244/broadband-gap-google-fiber-isnt-the-only-revolution-in-kansas-city

I believe that Bitcoin is the key to funding such a thing.

I would be fine with becoming an Internet repeater that generates Bitcoins on a pay per use type of structure.

This has nothing to do with mesh but it is a method that a wifi hotspot can charge in bitcoins:

 - http://www.coindesk.com/raspberry-pi-used-to-power-bitcoin-funded-wifi-hotspot/