That's exactly what it means. WiFi and other wireless internet (3G, cell phones, etc) is just broadcast on radio signal. A local mesh network would just be an autonomous internet in your local area. Lots of folks are experimenting with it.

Baofeng is the brand. They're a Chinese producer of crazy affordable ($20-50) radios. Walkie talkies, but not the ones truckers use. They're on what's called the citizen's band. Similar, but different frequencies. But yeah, you could do it with CB radios too, just have everyone on the right frequencies.

The radios have batteries, but they also have battery bypass to run on 12vdc, so I imagine it'd be super easy to run it on a small solar rig. Could even build it into an ammo can for a weatherproof box and hang it in a tree for better reception.