https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesh_networking
People have tried, but they’re hard — and TLAs tend to show up. (At least from stories I heard; before my time.)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Wireless
But they’re doing a crypto one too — maybe that’ll work better.
There’s also a HAM radio option.
Generally the problem with mesh networks is spectrum licensing.
(a badly functioning mesh network is indistinguishable from a distributed jammer in its band!)
As for the TLAs .. I don't know about that, but the history of radio licensing and telecoms is entangled with national security, because allowing enemy agents free comms into your country was considered Very Bad.
The FBI and CIA infiltrated gaming groups as well.
The US has a bunch of agencies whose names are TLAs. The FBI, the CIA, the NSA, FCC, etc.