A radio base station does not broadcast service information without a request from a mobile radio terminal. When a mobile radio enters or approaches a coverage area of the base station, it transmits a service information request in or near the radio coverage area. The service information is associated with the radio coverage area. When the base station receives the request for service information from the mobile radio, the base station then selectively transmits the service information to the mobile radio, either immediately or after some exchange between the mobile radio and the base station. The service information allows the mobile radio to determine whether the mobile terminal is permitted to obtain service from the radio base station. The base station does not usually broadcast service information in the radio coverage area independently of a request from a mobile radio thereby conserving resources and reducing interference.