Well there you go, then it's really just a matter of defining the geographic area that you want to be able to communicate with, picking the appropriate technology and jumping through the regulatory hoops. In general, VHF simplex is good for up to 30 miles, HF with 100W and an nondirectional antenna will get 500 miles most days and thousands if miles on good days, HF with a power amplifier and a directional antenna will get out worldwide most days.