Help Connect North Dakota
NodakMesh is building a statewide mesh communication network - and we need your help. By hosting a small, solar-powered radio node on your property, you can help provide emergency communication capabilities to communities across the Peace Garden State.
Get In TouchOur Mission
North Dakota faces unique communication challenges. With vast rural areas, extreme weather, and limited cell coverage in many regions, our communities are vulnerable when traditional infrastructure fails. Winter blizzards, summer storms, and power outages can leave people isolated without any way to call for help.
NodakMesh is building a mesh network that works independently of cell towers, internet, and power grids. Using low-cost LoRa radio technology, we're creating a web of interconnected nodes that can relay messages across dozens of miles - ensuring North Dakotans can always communicate, even when everything else goes down.
Our goal: Complete coverage across all 53 counties. To achieve this, we need strategic node placements on elevated locations throughout the state. That's where you come in.
Why This Matters
Emergency Communication
When cell towers fail during disasters, mesh networks keep working.
Rural Connectivity
Extend communication to areas with no cell service.
Community Resilience
Build infrastructure that belongs to North Dakotans, not corporations.
What Hosting a Node Involves
We make it easy to participate. Here's what you can expect as a node host.
Small Equipment
A compact weatherproof box smaller than a shoebox, a lightweight antenna, and a small solar panel. Total weight under 2 pounds.
Solar Powered
No electricity needed. The small solar panel keeps the node running indefinitely, even through North Dakota's cloudy winter days.
Minimal Maintenance
Nodes run autonomously most of the year. We perform annual check-ups to update firmware and optimize performance, always coordinating with you first.
What Installed Nodes Look Like
Compact, weatherproof, and designed to blend with their surroundings.
Professional-grade solar repeater
Compact all-in-one solar node
Deployed outdoor installation
Ideal Node Locations
The best locations have elevation and clear sightlines. If you can see for miles from your property, it's probably a great spot.
Grain Elevators
Perfect height and often located in areas needing coverage.
Commercial Buildings
Rooftops of stores, offices, and warehouses work great.
Hilltop Properties
Homes and farms with elevation provide excellent range.
Water Towers
Municipal water towers offer unmatched height and visibility.
Don't have an elevated location? Even a standard rooftop or tall pole in a strategic area can be valuable. We'll work with you to determine if your location would benefit the network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about hosting a mesh node.
What exactly would be installed on my property?
A mesh node consists of a small, weatherproof enclosure (typically 4-6 inches) containing a low-power radio, a compact antenna, and usually a small solar panel for power. The entire setup weighs less than 2 pounds and is smaller than a typical bird feeder.
How is the equipment mounted?
We use non-invasive mounting methods that don't require drilling or permanent modifications. Common approaches include magnetic mounts, U-bolts on existing poles, hose clamps, or temporary brackets. When we leave, there's no damage to your property.
Does it need power or internet?
No external power or internet connection is needed. Nodes are typically solar-powered and completely self-sufficient. The radio communicates directly with other mesh nodes - it doesn't use your WiFi, cell service, or any other infrastructure.
Will it interfere with my existing electronics?
No. Mesh nodes operate on the 915 MHz ISM band - a completely different frequency than WiFi, cell phones, TV, radio, or any other common electronics. The power output is extremely low (less than 1 watt), far lower than a typical cell phone. It's FCC-compliant technology that won't interfere with anything.
Is there any ongoing maintenance required?
Very little. Solar-powered nodes run autonomously most of the time, but we do perform annual maintenance visits to check equipment, update firmware, and optimize antenna positioning. We'll always coordinate with you before any visits.
How long would the equipment stay?
That's entirely up to you. We're flexible and can work with any timeframe - whether that's a few months or many years. If you ever want the equipment removed, we'll take it down promptly with no questions asked and no damage left behind.
Do I need any permits?
Typically no. Small antennas under certain heights (usually 12 feet above the roofline) don't require permits in most jurisdictions. However, if you're in an HOA community, we recommend checking your covenants. We're happy to provide documentation to HOAs explaining the project.
What's in it for me?
By hosting a node, you become part of North Dakota's emergency communication backbone. In return, you get free access to the mesh network - meaning you and your family can communicate even when cell towers are down during storms, outages, or emergencies. You're also helping your community build resilient infrastructure.
Who else hosts these nodes?
Across the country, mesh nodes are hosted by businesses, farms, schools, churches, fire stations, government buildings, and private homes. Anywhere with elevation and a clear view of the horizon is valuable. In North Dakota, grain elevators, water towers, and hilltop properties are especially helpful.
Join Growing Networks Nationwide
Mesh networks are being built by communities across America. Organizations of all types are participating in this grassroots infrastructure movement.
Educational institutions providing campus coverage
Agricultural operations with strategic elevation
Companies with rooftop access in key locations
Places of worship serving their communities
Let's Talk
Interested in hosting a node or want to learn more? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out and we'll discuss how your property could help connect North Dakota.
We respond to all inquiries within 48 hours.