Research the need. Test the technology. Let the evidence shape the solution.

Community Frequency's first Peru mission is not a promise to install a network. It is a feasibility and research effort focused on rural Andean and rainforest communities where geographic isolation can limit access to conventional communications.

The mission begins with the legal and technical realities of Peru, then moves from Lima to a rural community near the Peru–Ecuador border.

1 · Establish the regulatory baseline

Before field operation, we will research applicable Peruvian telecommunications requirements and seek meetings and interviews with the Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones (MTC).

The objective is to establish what hardware, frequencies, power levels, antennas, and configurations can legally be used in Peru.

Several candidate boards are already used by members of Peru's mesh community. That establishes local availability and community interest, but it does not by itself establish legal authorization.

2 · Learn and test in Lima

Lima will be the first technical learning environment. We will meet with members of the Peruvian mesh community, exchange practical experience, and learn what is already being built locally.

We will also test Meshtastic and MeshCore in the Peruvian context. The purpose is not to crown a winner. It is to understand how each approach behaves and whether either can meet the requirements of the problem.

3 · Test in northern Peru

The project will then travel north and meet with a community near the Peru–Ecuador border.

This is where technical testing meets the social purpose of the project. We want to understand actual communication needs while observing terrain, infrastructure, power, node placement, coverage, reliability, and usability.

Initial equipment target

This is what we would like to acquire for Step Zero. It is a target, not equipment already purchased or approved for operation in Peru.

• 2 × BQ G3 nodes
• 2 × external antennas for the BQ G3s
• 4 × Heltec V4
• 2 × Heltec T114
• 4 × GPS/GNSS kits for the V4/T114 units
• 2 × Seeed Studio Solar Pro 2 nodes
• 6 × Muzi Works 915 MHz antennas
• 6 × batteries
• Cables, connectors, mounting hardware, and field accessories
• 3D-printed cases, mounts, brackets, and other mechanical parts

Several Heltec and Seeed devices are already used by Peruvian mesh hobbyists and are available in the local ecosystem. The BQ G3 is a newer candidate for evaluation.

The equipment list remains subject to the Peruvian regulatory review.

Why funding matters

Community Frequency is an independent project. The initial equipment must be acquired before the field work can happen. The project's GoFundMe helps cover equipment and field expenses.

The target kit is intentionally based on inexpensive, adaptable hardware. Where practical, enclosures and mechanical components will be 3D printed rather than purchased as proprietary parts.

What comes out of Step Zero?

We want to return with evidence about:

• What is legal in Peru
• What equipment is available and practical
• What works in Lima
• How Meshtastic and MeshCore compare in the Peruvian context
• What works in the rural field environment
• What the community actually needs
• What the costs, power, and maintenance requirements look like

Only then can we responsibly decide whether a larger pilot or community deployment makes sense.