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 comprising at least one fixed access point, to provide a mobile wireless user terminal with access to the network, and a method for using the same. The mobile access point comprises at least one transceiver, which can be mounted to a mobile vehicle and receive substantially constant power from the vehicle, and which is adapted to transmit and receive communications signals to and from the wireless user terminal, and to operate as a communications link between the wireless user terminal and the fixed access point, to provide the wireless user terminal with access to the network via the communications link. The transceiver is further adapted to provide a second communications link between the user terminal an another user terminal, or between the mobile access point and another mobile access point of the network. The mobile access point further includes technology, such as global positioning system (GPS) technology, which adapted to determine a geographic location of the mobile access point.