In response to a first location request message from a client terminal, a
gateway stores the message and requests the location information of a
target mobile terminal from a location information system. If a second
location request message is received from other client terminal
requesting the location information of the same mobile terminal while the
initial client terminal is waiting for the requested information, the
second location request message is stored. Reply messages are sent
simultaneously to these client terminals when the requested information
is received. In a modified embodiment, if location request messages are
received from multiple client terminals for the same target mobile
terminal, they are stored in a memory, which is then searched at periodic
intervals. If the message of at least one client terminal is detected,
the gateway acquires location information of the target terminal from the
system and transmits a reply message to client terminals.