This document provides an overview of the essential attributes of the trunking mode of operation such that, where systems are configured in the trunking mode, voice and data services will operate in accordance with the goals of Project 25:

• Supports a Project 25-compliant trunking radio

• Interoperates across a Project 25-compliant trunking system

• Independent of the particular equipment manufacturer

• Obtains radio spectrum efficiency

• Enable competition in system life cycle procurements and enables an environment of multiple interoperable vendors;

• Allow effective, efficient, reliable, and interoperable intra-agency and interagency communications;

• Provide user friendly equipment, defined as the least amount of mental and physical effort by the operator;

• Provide a graceful path from Analog technologies through Phase 1 to Phase 2.