It’s two years now since I got the license to legally broadcast on the Amateur Radio bands. It takes skill, and knowledge. You can’t just tuck a ham radio into a bug out bag or emergency kit and expect to use it when you need it. I’m still screwing around with UHF/VHF radios. I also use the HF bands, made a few contacts, no international contacts from the US yet. Antennas are not just simple wires in a tree (but the can be if you know what you are doing.)