Abstract: A method and apparatus controls zone registrations in a radio communication system providing radio coverage to a portable subscriber unit (122, 1200) within a plurality of zones (402). A fixed portion (102) of the radio communication system cooperates with the portable subscriber unit (122, 1200) to adjust at least one registration variable in a memory of the portable subscriber unit (122, 1200) for moderating the zone registrations. The portable subscriber unit (122, 1200) then moderates the zone registrations to a limited number in accordance with the at least one registration variable.