As utilities transition to smart-grid and VOIP technologies, their need for converged transport of data communication is increasingly critical. For many operating on analog radio systems today, a smooth migration path to digital, voice/data-capable LMR technologies is key. Whether deploying private DMR, TETRA, P25 or leveraging other options, such as unlicensed technologies, commercial offerings or potential partnerships with FirstNet, utilities must consider the overall benefit of a converged data environment.