Abstract: The MIN, but not the ESN, associated with a mobile station is entered into a permanent subscriber record associated with a private wireless communications system. During at least the initial registration attempt for the mobile station in the private system, the mobile station sends its MIN and ESN to the private system. The private system then asks a public wireless communications system for verification of the subscription status of the mobile station. If the status is favorable, e.g., the mobile station has a valid subscription to the public system, the private system updates its permanent subscriber record to include the ESN and continues with the registration process. If the verification response indicates an unfavorable subscription status, e.g., the ESN/MIN combination is invalid, the private system preferably refuses to allow the mobile station to register.