Method and apparatus for dynamically enabling a direct mode operation gateway

A communication device configured to dynamically activate direct mode gateway functions while operating in a trunked mode, the communication device comprising:

• a monitoring component configured to calculate an estimated probability that at least one associated communication device is out of a network coverage area;
• a polling component configured to determine that the at least one associated communication device is inaccessible or is operating in an operating mode consisting of a trunked mode or a direct mode when the estimated probability is calculated to be at or below a predefined threshold;
• and
• a processing component configured to dynamically activate gateway functions in the communication device when the at least one associated communication device is determined to be operating in the direct mode, wherein the communication device is configured to function as a direct mode gateway for the at least one associated communication device when the gateway functions are activated.