Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using a location of a mobile station (MS) to assist network entry and initialization, scanning, and/or handover operations in a radio access technology (RAT), such as WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), are provided. The location of the MS may be ascertained by determining the Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of the MS internally or by receiving the location from a GPS device external to the MS. Knowledge of the current or future location of the MS may reduce the amount of base station (BS) information transmitted to the MS; may reduce the power consumption and the amount of time spent during network entry, scanning, or handover; and may increase the bandwidth usage efficiency.

Abstract: When an incoming call is received or an outgoing call is placed, a phone number associated with the call is identified. The phone number is compared to a set of phone book entries corresponding to subscriber-designated phone entries and special phone book entries. If the phone number is identified as corresponding to a special phone book entry, call processing continues according to a field type designated by the selected phone book entry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring an emergency service from one or more candidate mobile radio communication systems. An attempt is made by the mobile radio unit to acquire normal non-emergency service. If the attempt of acquiring normal non-emergency services fails and the user needs to originate an emergency call, an emergency scan list containing one or more candidate mobile radio communication systems is scanned, and an attempt is made to acquire emergency service from one of these systems. The emergency scan list is different from the normal preferred roaming list stored in the mobile radio unit. Next, the invention originates an emergency call in accordance with the service acquired from the emergency scan list.