Abstract: A radio communication network is disclosed, wherein direct calls are automatically converted to pages when the called radio is not in radio frequency (RF) communication with any of the cells of the radio system. The called radio's current checked-in cell sends call set up messages to the called radio. If the called radio does not respond, then the incoming call is automatically converted to a page that is delivered to the called radio when it checks back into the system. Any appropriate network element, such as the calling radio, the calling or called radio's checked-in cell, or the called radio's home cell, may configure the page.

Abstract: A radio communication system is disclosed, wherein caller identification information is sent to called radios prior to the initiation of voice communications. The called radio's current checked-in cell sends call set up messages to the called radio and receives a response from the called radio. The cell then sends page information comprising the calling, or source, radio's identification. Voice communications are established immediately following the page data transmission. The called user is notified of the page information and can access the page message to determine which radio initiated the incoming call.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for checking the cell of preference in a multi-cell communications system is disclosed. While a communications receiver or transceiver is currently receiving an acceptable signal from a current cell, a cell of preference is checked for a brief period of time for a cell beacon. If a cell beacon is received, the receiver or transceiver continues to receive the cell of preference. If not, the receiver or transceiver returns to the current host cell. The preferred embodiment is directed to a land mobile radio system which broadcasts cell ID codes at periodic intervals. In the preferred embodiment, the transceiver checks-in to the cell of preference to announce its presence such that future communications can be directed to the radio after check-in.