About Tri-Cities Mesh

Connecting our community with open, off-grid LoRa mesh networking.

Tri-Cities Mesh is a grassroots project bringing together amateur radio operators, makers, and technology enthusiasts across Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol.
Our goal is to build a resilient, community-owned communication network that works even when cell towers or the internet are unavailable.

Our Mission

We believe communication should be simple, reliable, and accessible to everyone.
By using low-power LoRa radios, we create long-range mesh links that support text messaging, GPS location sharing, and data transport—without monthly fees or dependence on traditional infrastructure.

How It Started

In 2025, a few local ham radio operators discovered the Meshtastic project and recognized its potential.
They saw it as both an exciting experiment in radio technology and a practical tool for community preparedness.
From those first test nodes, Tri-Cities Mesh was born—built on the idea that anyone can take part in expanding the network and making it stronger.

Who It’s For

  • Amateur radio operators experimenting with new digital modes
  • Makers and tinkerers exploring off-grid technology
  • Community groups preparing for emergency communication
  • Anyone curious about resilient, people-powered networks

Get Involved

We’re always looking for new participants! You can:

Whether you want to deploy a node on your roof, run experiments, or just learn, there’s a place for you here.

Looking Ahead

Tri-Cities Mesh is growing. Our long-term vision is a robust regional mesh backbone linking neighborhoods, schools, and public spaces—an open platform for innovation and preparedness.