WiFi-based meshes are underexplored.
Discussion
We've been trying since the early 2010's to do this in public networks.
Look at TTN, SIGFOX and later Helium coverage maps.
I'm not sure this fixes it, but previous LoRa networks were too commercially focused. This has "fun" built into it. Enthusiasts war driving around texting node operators brings these networks to life, so perhaps the hobbyists can do what the professionals failed to.