Mobile station and corresponding method for reducing messaging traffic in a wireless communication system

A method and apparatus for messaging traffic, including air and network messaging, in a wireless communication system. The invention informs a mobile station of its subscription status, either active or inactive, within the communication system. If the mobile station subscription status is inactive, the mobile station is prevented from registering with the communication system. All other functions of the inactive mobile remain enabled, such as the ability to make emergency calls, to change the subscription status to active status, or to allow for base station maintenance control.