A comprehensive method for mobile station registration in a cellular communication system wherein registrations are made due to multiple stimulus. Registration can occur as a function of distance traveled since the previous registration. Registration can occur due to entering the coverage area of a base station assigned to a zone in which the mobile station has not recently registered. A registration timer can be used to ensure a minimum time between registrations. Registrations can occur at power up and at power down. The mobile station can be ordered to register by a transmission from a base station. Registration can occur due to parameter changes with in the mobile station. Registration may also occur through necessary communication with a base station which is not expressly directed to registration.