A mobile station in a wireless network can be assigned a priority level. The wireless network may support two or more different priority levels. A mobile station's priority level may be stored in a database containing other identifiers, such as the mobile station's electronic serial number and mobile identification number. The priority level can be stored as a part of a profile in the home location register or in a visitor location register. When the mobile station attempt to access the wireless network, the access request can be serviced based on the priority of the mobile station. The access request may also be serviced based on a current usage status of the wireless telecommunications network. Mobile stations with higher priorities may receive a preference for access to the wireless network's resources. Mobile stations with lower priorities may be disconnected from the wireless network to accommodate a higher priority mobile station.