Abstract: A mobile subscriber service is provided in a cellular communications system having a base station and a mobile switching center. The service may be a special billing rate based on where a mobile-originated call is initiated. The base station receives a channel request from the mobile subscriber, wherein the channel request indicates that the mobile subscriber is initiating a call. The base station assigns a first cell for immediate use by the mobile subscriber, the first cell being designated by an initial cell identifier. The initial cell identifier is sent from the base station to the mobile switching center, which stores the initial cell identifier in memory means for use when the mobile subscriber service is to be provided. When the mobile subscriber service is to be provided, the initial cell identifier is retrieved from the memory means, and a decision concerning an aspect of the mobile subscriber service is based on the retrieved initial cell identifier.