A wireless communication system has a central computer, one or more access points and personal badges that communicate with the one or more access points. The central computer includes a database indexed by either user identification codes or badge serial numbers. When a user activates a badge, the central computer assigns the badge to the user who activated the badge so that any message for the user is directed to the badge. The user may also access his personal data section in a central computer database through the badge while the activation is valid. When the user deactivates the badge, the central computer deletes the association and returns the badge to a non-user-specific state. Where docking stations are available to rest the badges not being used, the badges may be configured so that they are activated when decoupled from the docking stations and deactivated when coupled to the docking stations.