Cellular communication network and method for locating mobile stations using hierarchically arranged databases

In a cellular mobile communication network, mobile records are maintained in a first database for indicating a base station area when a mobile station crosses a boundary between adjacent location areas and enters that base station area. A second database is associated with each control group of base station areas for maintaining mobile records for indicating a base station area when the mobile station successively crosses a boundary between adjacent base station areas. In response to a call request, one of the mobile records of the first database is accessed to identify a control group of base station areas and a search request is produced. In response to the search request, one of the mobile records of the second database is accessed and a paging signal is broadcast to at least one base station area indicated in the accessed mobile record to wait for a response from the mobile station. If no response is not returned, the paging signal is broadcast to remaining base station areas of the identified control group.