I agree with kf4ebp, HAM is the most versatile communication, but does require a license. Your entry level license is easy to get and gives you very useful frequencies.<br><br>Most communities have fairly active 2m repeater systems which can give essentially line-of-site 2m handheld radios tremendous coverage. My community has some linked repeaters that cover from Portland Oregon to Vancouver BC Canada all the way to Montana. Some repeaters also cover other HAM bands like 6m.<br><br>Check out your local HAM clubs and systems and the Amateur Radio Relay League ARRL Getting Started