There are so many ways to connect with other Amateurs these days.
Digital has become more popular these days due to HOA restrictions, high costs of HF Equip, lack of propagation and other reasons.
Some widely used sources for digital being used are listed below.
Free for both the PC and the Android phone.
Some reports of it working on the iphone as well
Free but requires an AMBE3000 such as a DVMEGA DVStick30 cost $100-$150
Needs a WIFI connection and a DMR or DStar radio.
Cost $100-$300 there are many out there to choose from.
This is the very popular GD-77, turn it into an even better HT by installing opengd77 software on it. Cost $75 - $150