Setting up a mesh network is far easier and cheaper than you would think.  It’s time you picked up a few devices and flashing the firmware.  See thread for more links.

https://youtu.be/mdN1iy4MKOI 

 https://meshtastic.org/docs/hardware/devices/ 

 https://meshtastic.org/docs/getting-started 

 https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832672676583.html 

 @trussno1 that could be useful in our neck of the swamp