Handover control mechanism in non-homogeneous network architecture

An apparatus for use with a communication network control element or function configured to control a communication connection with at least one communication element or function in a first area of a communication network and using a specific communication capability or communication function in the first area, the apparatus comprising:

• at least one processor;
• and
• at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:
• determine that a handover procedure is to be conducted for the at least one communication element or function so as to switch the communication connection from the first area to a second area of the communication network controlled with a target communication network control element or function, wherein the second area does not support specific communication capability or communication function used in the first area;
• and
• cause sending of a handover related request to the target communication network control element or function for starting a handover procedure, the handover related request including a request for service continuity comprising an indication that service continuity is required for at least one specific communication session using the specific communication capability or communication function in the first area;
• wherein the request for service continuity indicates to the target communication network control element or function that a path switch to the communication network for at least a user plane connection of the at least one specific communication session is to be delayed.