Abstract: A communication system supports Mobile Test Software Agents (MTSAs) that are software modules, executable at mobile stations for placing them in a test mode. The mobile stations are placed in the test mode by executing a downloaded MTSA at a specified test location, based on location information contained within location registers of the communication system. In the test mode, each mobile station is configured, according to parameters defined by a MTSA, to allow for system performance measurements. Each MTSA represents an active, addressable computer program that can observe and initiate activities in its environment, can communicate with other agents and can be transported across data networks that are configured to take performance measurement.