We (our club and others) have a linked (All RF linked no internet involved) system in our area covers a lot of the center of the state. Reminds me of when I had my linked 1.25 & 70cm system in the late 90's. Get involved with the right people and things can happen. I'm very well in HT range of the one repeater on my end and it gets a fair amount of use.Over in my area there is a set of repeaters that connect a long way. start at pittsburg,ks then into mo. all up to rolla,mo. couple or 3 rite placed repeaters and be at your door step