Tiered wireless, multi-modal access system and method

A multi-tier communication system formed of multiple wireless communication networks for providing wireless access to a plurality of portable wireless access devices having the ability to establish wireless links with the communication system by using different communication protocols at different broadcast strengths, comprising:

• a. one wireless communication network including a plurality of first gateways forming a low power tier for providing wireless services by establishing wireless communication links with one or more of the portable wireless access devices using one of the communication protocols at a low broadcast strength operating over a small geographic area;
• b. another wireless communication network including a plurality of second gateways forming a higher power tier for providing wireless services by establishing wireless communications with one or more of the portable wireless devices using another communication protocol at a higher broadcast strength operating over a larger geographic area;
• and
• c. a system controller for coordinating requests for service by the portable wireless devices to cause wireless communication links to be established within the low power tier whenever the low power tier is capable of providing the service requested thereby achieving a more nearly optimal utilization of radio spectrum.