Method and apparatus for implementing bi-directional soft handovers between wireless networks without carrier control

A wireless communication system comprising:

• a mobile station capable of communication with a remote station;
• a carrier network for enabling wireless communication between the mobile station and the remote station within a carrier area of coverage;
• and
• a non-carrier network for enabling wireless communication between the mobile station and the remote station within a non-carrier area of coverage;
• a media gateway associated with the non-carrier network for connecting a call between the mobile station and the remote station, the media gateway being capable of connecting a first connection line with the mobile station via one of either the carrier network and the non-carrier network, establishing a second connection line with the mobile station via the other of either the carrier network and the non-carrier network, and disconnecting the first connection line.

A wireless communication system comprising:

• a mobile station capable of communication with a remote station;
• a carrier network for enabling wireless communication between the mobile station and the remote station within a carrier area of coverage;
• and
• a non-carrier network for enabling wireless communication between the mobile station and the remote station within a non-carrier area of coverage;
• a media gateway associated with the non-carrier network for connecting a call between the mobile station and the remote station, the media gateway being capable of connecting a first connection line with the mobile station via the carrier network, determining that the mobile station entered the non-carrier area of coverage, establishing a second connection line with the mobile station via the non-carrier network, and disconnecting the first connection line via the carrier network.

A wireless communication system comprising:

• a mobile station capable of communication with a remote station;
• a carrier network for enabling wireless communication between the mobile station and the remote station within a carrier area of coverage;
• and
• a non-carrier network for enabling wireless communication between the mobile station and the remote station within a non-carrier area of coverage;
• a media gateway associated with the non-carrier network for connecting a call between the mobile station and the remote station, the media gateway being capable of connecting a first connection line with the mobile station via the non-carrier network, determining that the mobile station exited the non-carrier area of coverage, establishing a second connection line with the mobile station via the carrier network, and disconnecting the first connection line via the non-carrier network.