Methods are disclosed for providing requested access, network-initiated
access and autonomous access to communication resources (101-105) by
wireless communication unit(s) (112, 114), and for controlling the
different types of access using access control identifier(s) assigned to
the devices. Requested access requires a communication unit to send a
call request (302) to a communication resource controller (106). The
request (302) includes at least an identification of the communication
unit and an access control identifier associated with the communication
unit. Network-initiated access comprises a communication resource
controller or other fixed network equipment sending a page request (502)
to the communication unit which responds with a page response message
(504) including the identification of the communication unit and an
access control identifier. The communication resource controller (106)
determines, based on the access control identifier, whether a
communication resource is available to support the request. Autonomous
access comprises the communication unit (112, 114) receiving a service
advertisement message (402) identifying a communication resource and one
or more access control identifiers associated with the communication
resource. The communication unit determines its eligibility for
autonomous access based on the service advertisement message. The service
advertisement message may be used to indicate an availability status of
communication resources as available for autonomous access or requested
access or not available for selected user groups.