Abstract: In an embodiment of the method of handling mobile station identifiers, at least one network element that used entire mobile station identifiers in performing packet data session handling functions is programmed to use less than the entire mobile station identifiers.

Abstract: A method for conserving paging and access channel bandwidth is provided in a wireless network (A) that includes: a plurality of cells (32) served by a mobile switching center (20); a paging channel for paging a mobile station (MS) (40) located within the cells (32); and, an access channel by which the MS (40) registers with the network (A). The method includes: defining a first set of location areas (LAs) including a plurality of paging LAs (50), each paging LA (50) including a plurality of cells (32); and, defining a second set of LAs including a plurality of registration LAs (60), each registration LA (60) including a plurality of paging LAs (50). As the MS travels, it registers with the network when entering one registration LA (60) from another, but it does not register when entering one paging LA (50) from another within the same registration LA (60).

Abstract: A method is provided for controllably migrating a wireless network from MIN based operation to IMSI based operation. The method comprises implementing changes that affect inter-network operations during a first phase of the migration. Remaining changes, including changes that affect intra-network operations are implemented during a second phase of the migration.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the method of handling mobile station identifiers, at least one network element that used entire mobile station identifiers in performing packet data session handling functions is programmed to use less than the entire mobile station identifiers.