Why not just get a HAM radio? Heck of a lot better range.
I am with you on that.
HAM requires a license. That may be an obstacle for some.
A ham radio license is pretty easy to get if you're at all technical. I studied for a week and aced the Technician test and squeaked by on General. Morse code is no longer a requirement for any level. In most big cities there's a test somewhere pretty much every weekend.
KEØKNN (soon to be KØBHJ)