Become an initiator
You are the Network.
With a small group of people it is possible to provide an entire city or area with data connectivity for things. The city-wide network in Amsterdam was crowdsourced in less than six weeks — you can do the same in your area.
A short application, reviewed by our teamWhat is a local community
What it takes to build the network
Local communities build the network in a defined area. To realize it, different stakeholders come together to collect enough resources. Communities are also great at transferring technical knowledge, sparking creativity and discovering business opportunities.
Budget
Funds to purchase a couple of LoRaWAN gateways to get coverage started.
Technical skills
The know-how to configure gateways and connect devices to the network.
Locations
Good rooftop or high-vantage spots to place gateways for wide coverage.
People
Organizational energy to build a thriving network of contributors.
The role of an initiator
You make a community happen
For a community to emerge, an initiator is required. The Things Network supports you through the first steps by giving you a community page — a place to communicate everything about your members, activities and the state of the network in your area.
In return we ask you to respect the Manifest, keep your community page up to date, make sure local meetups happen, and stay approachable for people who want to connect.
Once your community is official, you carry the title “Initiator” forever.Core principles
- Endorse the principles of the Manifest
- Open for anyone — no barriers to join
- People are the foundation of a community, not gateways
- Regular social contact drives a community’s development
- Diversity of skills and backgrounds is crucial
The Manifest
“Anyone making use of the network is allowed to do so for any reason or cause, possibly limited by local law, fully at own risk and realizing that services are provided ‘as is’ and may be terminated for any reason at any moment. The use may be open for anybody, limited to customers, commercial, not-for-profit, or in any other fashion. The Things Network providers will not pose restrictions upon its users.”
For reference
Communities that did it
Ready to be the network?
Submit a short application. Our team reviews it and helps you get your community page live.