Meshtashtic isn’t really much better, in fact, its worse, the frequency is higher, therefore, it doesn’t penetrate obstructions well, compared to like VHF (which can be pocket sized, like a walkie talkie), or HF (which is essentially like a console size). The only advantage is that, in some jurisdictions, it doesn’t need license, and can legally re-transmit. All the legal benefits goes out the window when the country is authoritarian, so ham radio frequencies are much better for Iran.
On the other hand Meshtastic nodes can be solar powered and independent. You can easily build a big-ish mesh with a couple hundred western monetary units.
It also uses common frequencies with every single wireless weather display and garage door opener and wireless outlet.
Also HAM operators are required to not encrypt their traffic and are licensed/registered, thus easily found and their equipment taken away.
Licensing and encryption controls again, do not apply in authoritarian countries. You are already breaking the law by circumventing the communications blackout.
Meshtashtic isn’t really much better, in fact, its worse, the frequency is higher, therefore, it doesn’t penetrate obstructions well, compared to like VHF (which can be pocket sized, like a walkie talkie), or HF (which is essentially like a console size). The only advantage is that, in some jurisdictions, it doesn’t need license, and can legally re-transmit. All the legal benefits goes out the window when the country is authoritarian, so ham radio frequencies are much better for Iran.
On the other hand Meshtastic nodes can be solar powered and independent. You can easily build a big-ish mesh with a couple hundred western monetary units.
It also uses common frequencies with every single wireless weather display and garage door opener and wireless outlet.
Also HAM operators are required to not encrypt their traffic and are licensed/registered, thus easily found and their equipment taken away.
Neither is perfect tho
Licensing and encryption controls again, do not apply in authoritarian countries. You are already breaking the law by circumventing the communications blackout.