I would not recommend analog APRS for reliable text communication, or anything except periodic, unidirectional (radio to internet), fire and forget position/status/etc reports (for which APRS often can't be beat due its to extensive coverage in many regions).

Instead, try DMR. Does voice, text and also digital APRS. Motorola and Hytera are probably the leading manufacturers of radios. Works direct and via DMR repeaters. If you have a repeater close by, you get worldwide radio to radio / talkgroup calling.

Unfortunately both modes have many, many annoying quirks/constraints.