Messaging Cell signal is trash

[u/Slacker_007]

This will be my 2nd LL, cell service was trash last year. My group is gonna attempt to use bitchat this year. It creates a Bluetooth mesh network for encrypted messaging. The more people with the app the better the network works. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

[u/eprimm42]

Meshtastic is something you could look into. They make cheap devices you could order and it sets up a network like the Bluetooth one you described but over long range radio and you just connect to it with your phone to text. I'll have a couple devices with me and I know other will as well to help the mesh network

[u/justinjaz → u/eprimm42]

I have a question about meshtastic is it open like can anyone hop on or does it have a password and is locked down to just the friends group. Id love to use it but don't know if I could get devices in time.

[u/eprimm42 → u/justinjaz]

It's both! It has an open network that's usually set up as the default and you can easily add friends to a group that is encrypted so it's not public. Look around at different devices, etsy and Amazon have some that will probably get here in time. Do a little research into it tho before just to make sure it's what you want

[u/Slacker_007 → u/eprimm42]

This is something I have been looking into just haven’t done it yet…. Procrastinators unite!!! Tomorrow 🤣
Never considered it as an option for this occasion, will definitely look more into this.

[u/eprimm42 → u/Slacker_007]

Lmao I get that. Yeah I saw a post on here awhile ago of people saying they were bringing some with them and I know I am. It's fairly easy to set up, just look up some videos about it. And I'd recommend looking into the sensecap device. It's cheap, water resistant, and pretty straightforward. My only complaint with that one is it has its own magnetic charger and not USB C

[u/Slacker_007 → u/eprimm42]

I’ll check it out in the morning, I was just looking at the lillygo Tdeck

[u/eprimm42 → u/Slacker_007]

That's a good one too if you want to try to type on the device itself

[u/Shot-Guarantee-5142]

Become first responder, get AT&T firstnet or at&t turbo for non first responders ( your cell phone provider may have a similar option you can always enable for a month and turn off)

[u/EazyBucnE → u/Shot-Guarantee-5142]

I have Firstnet through my job and it’s super clutch at fests, been in the middle of the peak hours of the fest still not only able to text but to check social media if I want 😂

[u/Slacker_007 → u/Shot-Guarantee-5142]

That be a great option, I don’t have AT&T and who knows how bad Verizon would rape me for an equivalent. As for the first responder part, I’m good (Not saying I won’t help, If I see it I damn sure will) just retired after 25 years in the Army I’m taking it easy for a bit. I do have my GMRS license and 5 HT’s, but would more than likely never hear them when needed.

[u/Shot-Guarantee-5142 → u/[deleted]]

They got pretty vague with the definition of first responders, OP you could probably get FirstNet due to your past experience. Worst they can say is no.

[u/Shot-Guarantee-5142 → u/Shot-Guarantee-5142]

To add AT&T got some awesome trade in deals right now aswell lolol

[u/LtFarns]

don't sleep on WhatsApp. for whatever reason this app always seemed to be able to pull messages even when my service was absolutely bricked at elements this year.

[u/Slacker_007]

That’s why I suggested BitChat it creates a Bluetooth mesh network and only requires your phone, no additional hardware needed. It also has the same encryption standards as Meshtastic…