@Dan Gleesak regarding that line of sight microwave transmission at 150 miles:
"
Antennas used in microwave links are highly directional, which means they tightly focus the transmitted energy, and receive energy mainly from one specific direction. This contrasts with antennas used in many other communications systems, such as broadcasting. By directing the transmitter’s energy where it's needed—toward the receiver—and by concentrating the received signal, this characteristic of microwave antennas allows communication over long distances using small amounts of power.
Between the link’s antennas lies another vital element of the microwave link—the path taken by the signal through the earth’s atmosphere.
A clear path is critical to the microwave link’s success. Since microwaves travel in essentially straight lines, man-made obstacles (including possible future construction) that might block the signal must either be overcome by tall antenna structures or avoided altogether. Natural obstacles also exist. Flat terrain can create undesirable reflections, precipitation can absorb or scatter some of the microwave energy, and the emergence of foliage in the spring can weaken a marginally strong signal, which had been adequate when the trees were bare in the winter. Engineers must take all the existing and potential problems into account when designing a microwave link."
https://ethw.org/Microwave_Link_Networks