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Currently I only have a handheld unit with 5 watts of output power which can probably get 20-50 miles/kms depending on terrain and obstructions. I am able to get greater distances with various repeaters that are setup and if I was to get involved with another type of repeater setup I would connect to a local repeater which would then connect to a repeater over the internet and then broadcast wherever that repeater is located. Need more learning time and experience on the radio.

Thats pretty cool. What was the cost to get started?

Well I got lucky and my brother gave me an old handheld he was not using. I spent $100 for a membership in the local ham club which also go me a study guide and a 12 week course (Saturday mornings 3 hr). You could get a basic handheld BaoFeng UV-5R for under $50US and whatever study materials for US. I understand that US technician is not too hard to get. If you are interested contact a local ham radio club for help and connections on getting licensed. Check out this YT channel for alot of information about US ham radio:
https://www.youtube.com/user/hoshnasi