In a world dominated by centralised, corporate-owned networks, what if we could build our own? What if the infrastructure for the Internet of Things (IoT)—the very network that connects our sensors to the digital world—was owned and operated by the community it serves?

This isn’t a hypothetical question. This is the reality of The Things Network (TTN), and it represents the very essence of the ‘Sense’ philosophy at the heart of SEIN.

A Network for the People, by the People

The Things Network is a global, open, and decentralised LoRaWAN network. In simple terms, it’s a grassroots effort to build a free and open data network for low-power devices. Unlike cellular networks controlled by large telcos, TTN is built by volunteers, enthusiasts, and organisations who set up gateways in their homes, businesses, and community spaces. Each new gateway extends the network for everyone, creating a powerful, shared public utility.

As the founder and convener of The Things Network South Australia, this project is deeply personal. It was born from the conviction that the tools for understanding our environment should not be locked behind corporate paywalls. It’s a practical application of the belief that technology can and should be a force for connection and empowerment, not extraction and control.

The Regenerative Path for Digital Infrastructure

In my articles on DePIN, I’ve explored the fork in the road between degenerative, centrally-controlled networks and a regenerative, community-owned future. The Things Network is a shining example of the regenerative path. It is a Decentralised Physical Infrastructure Network that is:

• Permissionless: Anyone can add a gateway and use the network.
• Community-Governed: The value and control remain with the people who build and use the network.
• Built on Open Standards: It avoids proprietary hardware and vendor lock-in, preventing the e-waste graveyards created by so many other projects.

This is the digital commons in action. It is the foundational layer that allows us to deploy sensors for regenerative agriculture, monitor water quality in our rivers, or track assets for local businesses, all without asking for permission or paying exorbitant fees to a central provider.

From Data to Wisdom

The work of The Things Network South Australia is a direct extension of SEIN’s ‘Sense’ element. By building this shared infrastructure, we empower our community to listen more closely to the world around us. We create the capacity to gather the data that informs better stewardship, fosters a deeper connection to place, and enables us to build a more resilient and sustainable future, together.

Our involvement is a commitment to ensuring that the future of the Internet of Things remains open, democratic, and in the hands of the people. It’s one of the most vital circles we are working to reconnect: the circle between our physical world and the digital tools we use to understand it.