An apparatus and method control booting in a mobile device with a built-in communication module to prevent a service user from using the mobile device for other purposes and to prevent the service user from subscribing to another service provider. A method includes determining, during a booting operation, whether the communication module is mounted with a USIM. A forced booting termination message is displayed if the communication module is not mounted with the USIM. And power supply is interrupted after a predetermined time from displaying the forced booting termination message.