Abstract: The identity of a calling subscriber unit (106) is provided to a called subscriber unit(s) (106') by requiring the calling subscriber to identify itself (112) to a central station (102 and 104a-c) and request across to the communicaiton resources. The central station forwards the identity of the calling subscriber to the called subscriber (114), which enables the called subscriber to decide whether to respond to (answer) the call. If the called subscriber responds, an RF communication link between the two subscriber units is established. Conversely, if the called subscriber does not respond (or responds negatively), the calling subscriber unit is provided with a "Busy" indication. Optionally, the central station may operate as a system-wide message recorder to store messages from calling subscribers for non-responding (Busy) subscribers. In this way, a calling subscriber may leave a message for later retrieval.