Amateur radio operators think they are using satellites they built as relays for long distances using line-of-sight frequencies.
https://www.amsat.org/They think they are going to use SpaceX to launch their new satellite.
They think they point highly directional antennas at their own satellites and successfully broadcast to someone far away all the time.
Search youtube or google "amateur radio satellite", many many hams all over the world, moonbounce, talking to ISS, aiming their antennas with RE geometry, etc.
Here are the things hams think about RE:
Are there any FE hams? Will there ever be?