This is a component costing $35 to build, that used with an andoid phone can communicate over long distances without utilizing cell towers. It can text and "transmit/receive 44kHz 8-bit ADC/DAC audio", and several filters and scanning of channels, etc.
"As exciting as the prospect of off-grid communication with this system is, it is important to note that it does require a license to use."
I guess that would be the Android-hack radio licence.
New open-source project transforms Android phones into ham radio transceivers
You would need an amateur radio license, minimum Technician level in the U.S., Basic in Canada. It's basically converting your android phone into a transceiver that will transmit/receive on amateur bands. Probably easier to buy a handheld transceiver for a few dollars on e-bay or aliexpress.
@artisan-radio I totally agree, I would be most inclined just buy a real transceiver. But if you l ain't got nothing better to do....