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How The Mesh!

How the Mesh became an actual project.

We dare to try something different, and provide something of great value to the town of Rochdale.

Heritage Hackers used to help people reach public wifi by using empty tubes of pringes and USB WiFi adapters.

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Heritage Hackers & Rochdale Council

Heritage Hackers have worked with Rochdale Council, and others, for several years. Their role was to get people interested in and accessing Tech': from prototyping numerous sensors, soldering, writing code, and generally trying to better utilise the resources already available and out there. One component of this was to be able to extend the reach of your WiFi adapters.

  • We created and built various Cantennas.
  • Even staff at Rochdale Council used our Cantennas
  • Cantennas improved connectivity possibilites.

The Internet Is A Vital Utility

It is really difficult to function in modern society without being connected to the internet.  There are a lot of residents in need of practical devices, connectivity, and traing where needed.

  • The Council got a small grant from UKGov
  • Asked Heritage Hackers if Mesh could be done
  • We didn't have enough Pringle tubes, but...
  • Ubiquiti make real/robust (C)antennas
  • Ubiquiti Network System is Open Source

Our Partnership

The Council teamed up with RBH, Co-operative Heritage Trust, and No Worries IT Ltd (Heritage Hackers) to make the Mesh happen.

Our Mission

To encourage residents to take full advantage of this FREE civic wifi. This means they can access the services they want, save money, and have access to training.

Our Vision

To make Rochdale a place of innovation, encourage Digital entrepreneurship, but most of all, for residents to have access to the resources to help them flourish.

Average Daily Stat's

1400

Daily Device Connections

47

WiFi Access Points Installed

120

Gigabytes Daily Data Used

 

About The Project

Rochdale Council in partnership with RBH have been funded by GMCA (Greater Manchester Combined Authority) to provide free high speed broadband to residents in College Bank and Lower Falinge.  Working with The Co-operative Heritage Trust and Co-operatives UK to operate the network and transmit the signal from Rochdale Pioneers Museum – any resident can access it any time of the day for work, learning, leisure and services. 

Some sites with adult content have been disabled for everyone’s safety and excessive downloading may be blocked to maintain optimum user experience. Let your friends and neighbours know about this great offer brought to you through the power of co-operation.

If you need any support or access to equipment then please contact us on 01706 926657 or email jobsandskills@rochdale.gov.uk 

This is the first phase of the rollout in your area and we will be adding information about the support and sessions planned for residents.