There are radio bands that are considered “unlicensed,” which can be freely used if your transmitter falls within adjustable limits. This is mainly the line of sight. Conventional WiFi and Bluetooth radios are examples of standardized packet radio stations operating in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band.
It is not difficult to find similar devices in the range of 902 MHz, including standardized ZigBee mesh radio equipment.
Licensed amateur radios have some advantages that unlicensed devices cannot provide, such as higher power limits and more varied frequency options. But these privileges have limitations - for example, autonomous operation is not allowed in the "short-wave" ranges, and work for any commercial purposes is prohibited.
As Adam mentioned, the APRS standard is the de facto standard for the format of information beacons and a method for repeating them through an amateur radio network.
From your post, I feel that you need the service of a "large area" with which you can track a roaming device. Although there is an existing APRS "digipeaters" setting by local hams in many areas, they are all voluntary as the lanes cannot be used for commercial purposes. As a licensed carrier, you can of course set up your own repeaters.
In the amateur radio bands, it is forbidden to use many types of messages, but this leaves many opportunities for amateurs and personal research, and as an additional group I welcome your project!