The signal is extreemly clear although there is a little delay. There is not a lot of DSTAR activity anywhere yet as it is still quite new. It is not a replacement for any other form of ham radio, just a new digital mode in addition to the other modes of ham radio. The DSTAR radios are not yet able to be equipped with voice chips, but with a screenreader you should be able to have voice and, in my case, braille, on the computer. 73 Kris