I just had an idea...
Would it be interresting for the Operative to have an ability named something like advanced hackfi that would allow them to start hacking an obj from a distance if there is already a hackbox there. It wouldnt be that OP in my opinion u'd still need to be close to it in order to make any progress + maybe the ability would allow the op to preform other abilities quicker... Its just a thought...

I would think the ability to be more balanced...should allow Operatives to initiate their command abilities (hack objectives, comms hacks and disguising) a little further out. So instead of needing to be right on top of what you're trying to interact with, you can be a little further down range to activate it. Like how Medics can throw revive syringes at a reasonable distance. 10 meters would be a safe enough distance. So you'd be able to get your comms hacks and disguises started sooner, and still be able to take a defensive stance if an enemy engages you whiles doing so.

Maybe the ability to turn the nearest comm station into a remote hack station...capture comm station as usual, convert to remote hack station (like fire walling)...may be more balanced then allowing an Op to initiate hacking while mobile.

Edit:hack box would have to be present already

or a remote hack box ( like a mine type skill that allows place it with in range) you to that hacks a bit slower but you dont have to choose between pure hack and eat bullets, or drophack kill people then start hacking again

Hmmm I guess.....

With the tweaks made to how fast Engie's can remove a hackbox (which I LURVE by the way, makes Defusing a hackbox have all the more suspense now rather than spending 2 seconds to take away progress of an operative's 3 minutes) I don't think a long range hack is necessary.

Before the tweak it would have been a God Send, now it would just be a gimmick taking up an ability slot.