Effective and low cost way to share WiFi with nearby low income areas

Question

hi! i come from a relatively privileged family and i think with all the internet progress made so far (good quality learning ecosystem from YT/ courses/ etc + advanced knowledge curation from search engines/ LLMs, etc.) over and above the infrastructure layer we're still lagging behind on democratizing of affordable infrastructure/ transport layer (home internet connections). Given its the backbone for connecting with world and enables one to extract knowledge, failure to democratize its access is regressive imo.In my country most people from lower income strata use mobile data (~1GB per day) which may not be enough for a family of 4 with education needs, entertainment needs, etc. All these needs are important if we want them to sooner merge with mainstream society. More importantly, I sternly believe having diverse exposures to varied dimensions of society can come from increased travel and/or from immersing in different cultures (exposure from good foreign entertainment content - Netflix/ and the likes, e-books, etc.).Therefore, i want to start a side project to democratize underlying transport layer with support from community - basically leverage existing home wifi networks and extend them to nearby low income areas for free to use.However, i'm not sure on whats the best way to approach it technically - mesh networks? access points?Also, don't think antenna's with 5g/4g is possible given regulatory permissions required.Wanted to discuss and get your views on how such a project be undertaken, as well as, any learnings from past similar if undertaken by anyone.Thanks!

bauruine · Accepted Answer

Have a look at existing projects like this.https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/NYC_Mesh https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freifunkhttps://startyourownisp.com/ may also be interesting.

eesmith · Answer

"1GB per day"? I remember being capped to 1GB/month.
The most important thing to remember is that technical details are secondary.
The government could set up local networks. They could require mobile services to provide a base data plan.
Since they don't, the next is to talk to the relevant people and see what they want. Are there already local activists that you can volunteer with, or contribute money to? Are there community centers which can already provide wifi but need money for a new roof?
Coming in as an outsider, with shiny technology and promises of a brighter more egalitarian future, has a long history of failing.
Also, I suspect actual sharing, like running an open wifi or Tor exit relay, will have poor uptake. Few want to deal with problems if illegal activities are tracked down to their network. Using a system which is better aligned with legal and corporate expectations of your country would be easier.

h2odragon · Answer

pringles can antennas only require regulatory permission if you get caught.
Set up APs and provide open WiFi from your windows. The traffic that draws will give you an idea of demand, and just how much abuse you're like to garner.
A few months of experience there will give you data to show others when you want to expand your idea; or solid reasons not to do it.