A system and method for improving the ability of a wireless communications network, such as a packet-switched data communications network, to provide service to mobile user terminals. The system and method employs a mobile access point, adapted for use with the packet-switched communications network, to provide a mobile wireless user terminal with access to the network, and a method for using the same. The mobile access point can be mounted to a mobile vehicle and receives substantially constant power from the vehicle, and is adapted to transmit and receive communications signals to and from wireless user terminals, fixed access points and other networks and mobile access points. The mobile access point includes at least one or more transceivers, which allows the access point to support multiple wireless communication protocols. A first protocol may be supported allowing network access, and a second protocol may be used for backhaul service.