Location-based grouping according to the present invention enables
grouping of wireless network subscribers (S1-S4) based on their location
within a coverage area (24, 26) and offering services based on their respective
group affiliations. Specifically, the location-based grouping defines a plurality
of zones (Z1-Z3), identified by coordinates, within a network coverage
area (24, 26) and assigns a dynamic network subscriber group number to each
zone. The location-based grouping of the present invention requires that a service
provider (14) maintain both a static network subscriber group database containing
network-wide subscriber subscription parameters and a dynamic network subscriber
group database containing zone-specific network subscriber subscription parameters,
and that a network subscriber (S1-S4) register when the network subscriber
enters into one of the plurality of zones (Z1-Z3) within the network
coverage area (24, 26). This registration requirement enables the location
of the network subscriber (S1-S4) to be identified as being within
the one of the plurality of zones (Z1-Z3) within the network coverage
area (24, 26) and the consequent provision of services to the network subscriber
(S1, S4) based on the static and dynamic network subscriber group
subscription parameters associated with the network subscriber (S1-S4).