The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for switching the mode of radio equipment in certain environments. In accordance with an embodiment, there is provided a method for causing a device operating in a first mode and located in a particular vicinity to operate in a predetermined second mode, including: broadcasting a request to a device located in the particular vicinity; and adjusting at least one setting of the device in response to the request, such that if the device operates in the particular vicinity it will operate in the predetermined second mode.