What is WillaMesh?
What is it?
ItWillaMesh is a community mesh network in Lane County, Oregon. A community mesh network enables residents to work cooperatively to provide high-quality Internet access and broadband connectivity to their communities, without the data caps, restrictions, and sky-high costs of Internet Service Provider monopolies.
Who needs it?
In our society, everyone needs Internet access and digital literacy. Most communities have only a single choice for goodhome stuff.Internet. Lack of choice means slow speeds, horrible support, and high prices that can get higher at any time, without warning. Even worse, many low-income and rural communities have no home Internet options and are forced to use mobile phones to get online.
How does it work?
- WillaMesh places a small antenna outside your house or apartment, and a Wi-Fi router running Althea software inside to connect your devices. You load up your router with digital currency to pay for access.
- Your router talks to one or more relays in your neighborhood and pays them for bandwidth.
- Relays send traffic to the WillaMesh gateway and the Internet.
- Anyone can grow the network by becoming a relay. Connect your neighbors and make a little bit of money at the same time!
What does it cost?
Most folks pay between $30 and $50 per month. There are no contracts or confusing packages. You only pay for what you use! Equipment and installation typically runs $150 to $200, and may be spread over multiple payments; inquire for details.