MESH-SMS

Emergency Backup Messaging Through Mesh Networks

When traditional communications are down or limited, staying connected matters. This service is designed to support low-volume operational messaging during communications outages or degraded service conditions.

In these situations, a local mesh network may be used to help users send short messages to family or friends. These messages may let someone know they are safe, request assistance, or share a basic status update when normal voice, text, or internet-based communications are unavailable.

This system is not used for marketing or promotional messaging. Its purpose is operational, informational, and readiness-focused.

How the Service Is Used

This messaging capability may be used for:

  • Welfare check messages, such as letting family or friends know you are okay
  • Assistance requests when normal communications are unavailable
  • Communications system status updates
  • Mesh network or Winlink readiness notices
  • Operator-requested outbound SMS relays tied to communications support
  • Periodic testing of communications pathways, message routing, and supporting equipment to confirm systems are functioning before they are needed in a real-world event

Messages are intended to be brief, relevant, and situation-driven.

Testing of Pathways and Equipment

This service may also be used for routine readiness testing. Testing helps confirm that communications pathways, software, radios, gateways, power systems, and related equipment are working as expected.

Testing may include:

  • Verifying that messages can move successfully through the mesh network
  • Confirming that equipment such as radios, gateways, and supporting computers are operational
  • Checking message routing between mesh, Winlink, and SMS pathways
  • Confirming that backup communications methods remain available if primary methods fail
  • Validating that operators can send and receive short status messages during planned drills or readiness checks

These tests are operational in nature and are intended to improve reliability and preparedness.

Who Receives Messages

Messages are sent only to recipients who have directly provided their phone number and requested to receive these communications. Consent may be collected through verbal confirmation, written form, or digital request and is recorded by the operator or organization.

Only opted-in recipients will receive messages.

Opt-Out and Support

Recipients may opt out at any time by replying:

STOP

Recipients may request assistance by replying:

HELP

Example Messages

  • KH6ML Mesh Alert: Your contact is safe and checking in through our communications system. Reply STOP to opt out.
  • KH6ML Ops Update: Traditional communications may be limited. This is a status or assistance message sent through our mesh communications system. Reply STOP to opt out.
  • KH6ML System Notice: MESH-API and Winlink status are operational. Reply HELP for help or STOP to opt out.
  • KH6ML Readiness Test: This is a communications pathway and equipment test message to confirm system availability. Reply STOP to opt out.

Privacy and Responsible Use

This service is intended to support communications resilience, especially in times when standard systems may be unavailable. It is not intended for advertising, sales, or promotional campaigns.

Message frequency varies based on operational need, including readiness testing, drills, and real-world communications support.