Lora data rate is still maybe 100x or 1000x higher than I'd want. I'd like something just fast enough for text chat, let's say 10 bps (maybe 3 chars/sec with some data compression), and a fallback slower rate for messaging, like 1 bps or slower (2 minutes for a 50 char messsage). That would give another 20 or 30 db of coding gain for much better range. There could even be a .01bps mode. Finally, put it on HF for worldwide range ;).

This is all deployed by hams down to around 1 cps, by the way (js8call.com).