What Jim mentioned is theoretically possible with Ham radio, but is not practical. At least not yet. There are certainly digital modes, like Dstar and Fusion, that communicate voice and data digitally, and can even use the internet as a means of extending distance between parties.

A more likely candidate is something called AREDN, which is allowing a node-based 'internet' of sorts to be quietly built, by guys in their garages. It is robust, fast, and in 5 years, might be the 'other' internet. No government control or oversight. All inexpensive hardware owned and operated by regular joes. Requires no physical connection (wire) between nodes. Awesome.