In a nutshell, the 510pen mesh network makes Internet access more available, and it helps to build community. More reliable: 510pen is building a secondary layer of infrastructure for Internet access. It takes advantage of the Internet connections that many people already have, and adds a layer of redundancy on top. It's called a community wireless network, and it uses mesh wireless technology. If you're a part of the "mesh" and your DSL connection goes offline, you won't lose Internet access - it'll just be slower until you fix your DSL line. If you're poor, only visiting, or just cheap, and you don't mind the restrictions placed on folks who don't contribute to the mesh, you can just hop on the mesh from your laptop and do your thing. Build community: Getting a mesh network going makes some minimal level of interaction with your neighbors likely. Even if you join in at the outset without talking to your neighbors, they'll have reason to thank you when your participation in the mesh... - 510pen