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The latter - regulation and monopolies - are the biggest obstacle to mesh networks in the UK - and I've seen that in both my attempts to build one locally and also even in case of low-power small-bandwidth networks like LoRAWAN.
People won't engage into mesh networks because they are scared to even route someone else's ping packed due to alleged restrictions of anti-terrorism laws. And broadband and LTE absolutely suck in the UK in terms of both bandwidth and price.