Most of the technologies I can think of that offer a cheaper alternative to ham radio are also within the purview of the FCC. Most of the internet is encumbered

Most of the technologies I can think of that offer a cheaper alternative to ham radio are also within the purview of the FCC. Most of the internet is encumbered by multiple organizations (often giant, profit-seeking corporations) that are ultimately beholden to the FCC. Radio will continue to be a technology used for providing infrastructure where none exists (disaster areas, offgrid communications). And sometimes it takes the place of "last mile" ISPs to get people in rural access to the wider internet. Plus, playing radio is fun. On the First Amendment vs. licensing requirements: Most licensing requirements are aimed at curbing harmful interference. The only thing in Part 97 (I can remember offhand anyway) that limits what you can say is 97.113(a)(4)[0]—most of what it mentions is covered by other laws (obscenity and copyright). I think there's something about selling stuff, too. But hams are pretty much self-policing this, afaict. Encrypted communication also prohibited (boo). But now we have meshtastic[1] on ISM bands for that! [0]: <https:/ / www.ecfr.gov/ current/ title-47/ part-97#p-97.113(a)(4)> [1]: <https://meshtastic.org/ https://meshtastic.org/>