a method and apparatus for billing for the usage of direct group communication services , such as push - to - talk services . a direct group communication service provider sets up an account for each direct communication service user whereby the user can establish a target group of wireless devices associated with his account . a billing server monitors the direct communication attempts of the wireless device of the user with the target group and bills the user based upon a predetermined criteria , such as number of wireless devices in the target group communicated with , use of a direct communication service , or duration of talk time .