Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing vicinity-based community services at a wireless access location by a public network service provider. The method includes the steps of receiving over a public network, at least one request for vicinity-based community services from at least one end-user accessing the wireless access point, grouping end-users accessing common wireless access points, and providing the vicinity-based community services in real time to end-users accessing the public network service provider from the wireless access point. The apparatus includes devices for carrying out the method described above.