Keep Texas Connected is looking for commercial property owners and managers willing to host a small, solar-powered MeshCore repeater. Your rooftop location becomes an important link in a growing, citizen-deployed mesh network that keeps Texas connected when cell service, internet, or the power grid goes down.
What we’re looking for: an accessible flat roof over 30 feet above ground level, or with a 5+ mile unobstructed view of the surrounding area. Roof height and clear sightlines provide the largest coverage, but locations that link currently unconnected parts of the area are also highly valued.
What’s involved:
- A small solar-powered, waterproof enclosure is securely placed on your roof — no permanent modification, no drilling, no bolting.
- The antenna extends above parapet walls and other nearby obstructions; the solar panel faces south and stays clear of shading.
- Radio transmit power is under 1 watt — comparable to a Wi-Fi router, well below cellular or broadcast levels.
- The repeater is managed remotely over the mesh network, with periodic firmware updates performed from street level over a temporary Bluetooth connection.
- All installation and maintenance is handled by an FCC-licensed amateur radio volunteer from the San Antonio Radio Club, scheduled with you in advance. You can request removal at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s in it for my business?
- Naming rights — your host name is broadcast to new devices joining the network and shown continuously on network maps.
- A resilient messaging network for your customers and employees, and an access gateway for the surrounding community.
- Community goodwill — mesh users can see which repeaters routed their messages, and it’s common for them to publicly thank hosts for extending access.
- Indirect support for local youth programs — the San Antonio Radio Club invests time, money, and equipment into university and high school electronics and radio-fundamentals programs, and in some cases your repeater’s hardware is partially built by students as part of that training.
What does this cost?
The fully unsubsidized cost is $200 for most sites. Each location is partially or fully subsidized through tax-deductible community donations — the subsidy amount is based on how much the location extends network coverage. Email us your building address and approximate roof height and we’ll provide an assessment of the support available for your location.
What is MeshCore?
A subscription-free, long-range radio networking protocol that relays secure and public text messages across the mesh network to anyone with a pocket-sized companion radio, available from major online retailers. More info and free software downloads at meshcore.io.
Who’s behind this?
MeshTexas.org is sponsored by the non-profit 501(c)(3) San Antonio Radio Club, and Keep Texas Connected is one of its community outreach initiatives.
Any permits, lease, or property-management concerns?
Since nothing is bolted or drilled in, most commercial roof installs don’t require building permits — but if you lease the space or have a property management agreement, we recommend confirming with your landlord or management company before installation. We’re happy to provide documentation on the equipment and FCC compliance if it’s needed for that conversation.
What about liability?
The property owner typically carries liability, though the likelihood of any incident is extremely remote — the equipment is low-power, self-contained, and solar-powered with no connection to your building’s electrical system.
Get in Touch
Interested, or have questions? Fill out the form below and we’ll follow up with an assessment of the support available for your location, or email us directly.