Abstract: Telecommunication equipment, such as mobile radios, cellular telephones, pager systems and central controllers, etc., can be programmed to be operational during certain periods of time. A predefined period of usage, such as daylight hours (6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) can be programmed into the telecommunication equipment. When a request for service is made, the actual time thereof is compared to the programmed window of operation. If the requested time of operation is within the window, telecommunication services are established. On the other hand, if the requested time of operation falls outside the window, telecommunication services are denied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing calls in a multi-system land mobile radio network. A plurality of call destinations are linked or grouped together into a call group. Each call destination has a preferred system. Selection of a first call destination points to or is linked to at least a second call destination. If the preferred system for a current call destination is not accessible, then a second call destination, selected in accordance with the first call destination is made the current call destination. Selecting a call group causes a radio to attempt a plurality of call destinations, each in sequence, until an accessible preferred system is found, indicating that the current call destination is valid. If an accessible system is found, then the call is placed thereto.