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General Info

What is it?

WillaMesh 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 home 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?

  1. 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.
  2. Your router talks to one or more relays in your neighborhood and pays them for bandwidth.
  3. Relays send traffic to the WillaMesh gateway and the Internet.
  4. Anyone can grow the network by becoming a relay. Connect your neighbors and make a little bit of money at the same time!

Althea network overview

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.

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