Ok, I have to admit being a novice on this topic but i've had this idea bouncing around in my mind-hole for the past 6 years and it is basically thus:
Would it be possible to create and market a device which transmits data packets over medium distance using license free bands of the EM spectrum via an interconnected mesh of relays?
Each client device would also act as a relay (server), extending range and overall throughput on the network.
In Australia, there are two frequencies which can be used by anyone to transmit data at low power; 476.950 MHz & 476.975 MHz. This doesn't require any licensing from the government. USA and UK have similar allowances for amateur radio.
In principle i know this is possible because it's how WiMax networks and GSM works. From my reading on other sites and forums (links below), most enthusiasts claim the data rate would be something close to 56k dial-up speeds and they are therefore mostly negative about the idea. Sure, streaming video would be a challenge but it would be enough to start a decentralised messaging/voice service that's free to use once the hardware is paid for. No ISPs needed (besides a few supernodes to act as uplinks across larger distances, between continents etc)
In addition, it would allow access to low bandwidth services in remote areas and provide a citizen curated internet backbone in the case of emergencies, power outages, EMP attacks etc.
I'd love to hear from others here who would be interested in pursuing this idea with a vision to build and market devices :)
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r18049172-Relaying-internet-data-via-CB-radio
https://www.acma.gov.au/Citizen/TV-Radio/Radio/Marine-and-Amateur-Radio/citizen-band-radio-service-cbrs-fact-sheet
http://www.transmission1.net/viewtopic.php?t=43866
