Venezuelans make hardware to use Bitcoin during blackouts

Due to the frequent electric grid “blackouts” in Venezuela, Bitcoiner and software engineer Randy Brito built the Locha Mesh initiative, an open source project to enable private messages and Bitcoin payments without an internet connection.



Hardware routers are used and can connect to the Blockstream satellite and pass messages around the “mesh” until one outlet has an internet connection. The 6 person startup is looking for investors and aims to start selling these devices in Q1 2020. Brito said “Basically, we are providing an accessible solution for anyone who finds themselves without energy or internet access in need for a safe, decentralized and censorship-resistant way of communication.