Abstract: In the method, the receipt or lack thereof of a number select code from a mobile station forms the basis for selecting a calling number from multiple calling numbers associated with the mobile station. The number select code may directly or indirectly identify a calling number.

Abstract: Registration signal channel overloads occurring due to overly numerous autonomous registration messages initiated by the mobile radiotelephones are averted by monitoring the number of autonomous registrations occurring or requested in a particular local cellular system and responding in the event of an impending overload by sending messages to specified mobile radiotelephones instructing them not to register at this time. The roamer mobile radiotelephones requesting registration within an area covered by a cellular system facing an impending overload are instructed, via an overhead message, not to register. Allowance of registration is not permitted until the overload condition is terminated. Alternatively the period between autonomous registrations is increased until the overload is cleared.