I just became aware of a similar non-ham application called Commotion.   .http://commotionwireless.net

Using OSLR to create mesh networks on Ubiquiti radios to provide internet access to impoverished neighborhoods.   There's some interesting stories about its use in Tunisia.

Perhaps Ham radio should be reaching out to the Commotion community to offer support and assistance in what seems like a very worthwhile endeavor......