Utility companies, particularly those with facilities near urben areas, struggle to achieve the wide area coverage they need for their two-way radio systems. Many look at securing exclusive channel licenses, which can be difficult to secure and expensive. Others consider wide-area trunking but believe it too complex or expensive to deploy.And, as utilities expand their service area and need to have their communications system work in tandem with their IP network, a solution that works today may not be sufficient in the future. In working with utilities facing these challenges, there are options available like the Kenwood Trunking 2.5 system, which is scalable, cost=effective and does not require dedicated control channels or the high cost of licensing exclusive channels.