Hi, my name is Patrick and I'm a local ham radio operator in Roberts Creek.

Our local club is helping expend the MeshCore network on the Sunshine Coast, which enables anyone (no need for a ham license) to send and receive private or group text messages to other MeshCore users without the use of the cell network or the internet.

This network is composed of repeaters that connect with each other to pass messages over long distances. At the moment, the network allows for messages to be sent from Port McNeil down to Victoria and as far west as Maple Ridge and Langley.

To connect to this network, you need a small device called a companion paired to your cellphone via bluetooth. This companion can send messages directly to other companions if they are close by, or hop through the repeater system