Meshtastic is sweeping across England today.
What is it?
https://meshtastic.org/docs/introduction/
The Mesh Network has just started in the USA.
Here's the map of some nodes that are web connected.(most are stand-alone)
https://meshmap.net/
Why do you need it?
In a nutshell, it's back-up communications.
In case your Cell service fails, you can still text your family, using Meshtastic Nodes*.
(*depending on the local Meshtastic network).
I'm the first on my block to start using Meshtastic.
How well does it work for me? Not very well, since my area has a shortage of people with Nodes. My walk around range is 2 or 3 miles. But that will change in time.
(The outdoor antenna on the right has the Node connected).
