Network elements, wireless communication system and methods therefor

A communication system comprising:

• a first access point for providing communications in a first cell using a radio access technology, RAT, wherein the first cell has a coverage area that overlaps at least a part of a coverage area of a second cell that uses a same first RAT as that of the first cell, and at least a part of a coverage area of a third cell that uses a second RAT that is different from the first RAT of the first and second cells, wherein the first access point comprises:
• a first tracking area code, TAC, that is configured to be different from a second TAC assigned to the second cell such that multiple TACs are used within the same RAT, and where the first TAC and second TAC are different to a third Area Code assigned to the third cell that uses a second RAT that is a different RAT to the first RAT;
• a memory for storing information relating to the third cell, and
• a signal processor, arranged to receive and capture a request for connection to an access point of the second cell from a wireless communication unit that is within the overlapping coverage area of the first cell as the first access point is using the same first RAT as the second cell that the wireless communication unit is registered with, and in response to capturing said request for connection, the first access point is arranged to establish a connection and redirect the wireless communication unit to the third cell that uses the second RAT by sending a Radio Resource Control Connection Release message including a Radio Resource Control redirection Information Element to the wireless communication unit that includes the stored information relating to the third cell that enables the wireless communication unit to autonomously establish a RRC connection with the third cell;
• a second access point for providing communications services in said third cell, the second access point comprising:
• a receiver configured to receive a request for connection from the wireless communication unit that has been re-directed to the third cell by the first access point;
• a transmitter configured to request from the wireless communication unit, an identifier relating to the wireless communication unit, wherein the receiver is configured to receive said identifier from the wireless communication unit to achieve a presence service.

A method for operating a cellular communication system, the method comprising;

• in a first access point that provides communications in a first cell using a first radio access technology, RAT, wherein the first cell has a coverage area that overlaps at least a part of the coverage area of a second cell that uses a same first RAT as that of the first cell and at least a part of the coverage area of a third cell that uses a second RAT that is different from that of the first and second cells,
• assigning a first tracking area code, TAC, to the first access point that is different from a second TAC assigned to the second cell and the first TAC and second TAC are different to a third Area Code assigned to the third cell that uses the second RAT that is a different RAT to the first RAT,
• storing information relating to the third cell,
• receiving and capturing a request for connection to an access point of the second cell from a wireless communication unit that is within the overlapping coverage area of the first cell as the first access point is using the same first RAT as the second cell that the wireless communication unit is registered with, and in response to capturing said request for connection,
• redirecting the wireless communication unit to the third cell that uses the second RAT by sending to the wireless communication unit, a Radio Resource Control Connection Release message including a Radio Resource Control redirection Information Element that includes the stored information relating to the third cell that enables the wireless communication unit to autonomously establish a RRC connection with the third cell.