The Venezuelan development team is preparing a Locha solution for carrying out operations with bitcoin without an Internet connection, reports Cointelegraph.
The solution is a mesh network. The developers are also working on two devices that will allow you to connect to the Bitcoin blockchain using long-range radio waves.
The first, dubbed Turpial, is a simpler version of a radio transmitter that works at distances of one to two kilometers in urban areas. The second, Harpia, is a limited radio module for small computers.
Both devices are portable and run on battery power.
It is reported that in the future the solution can be integrated with any other blockchain, as well as messaging and file transfer systems such as IPFS.
“We are creating a solution for cases where there is no Internet, for example, due to lack of infrastructure or targeted censorship, as well as to ensure anonymity,” said Randy Brito, head of the project, member of Bitcoin Venezuela.
He also explained that the network would not necessarily rely on nodes connected to the Internet via a landline telephone. Users with satellite dishes can also act as gateways and relay data.
It is expected that the development of devices will be completed by the second quarter of 2020. However, how much time will be required for their further production is still unknown.
Locha will be an open source project so developers can use it later to create similar solutions.
Recall that Venezuelans have long been in search of alternative ways of transferring cryptocurrencies. In March last year, during a massive power outage, Venezuelan residents sent bitcoin via SMS.