Method and apparatus for implementing bi-directional soft handovers between wireless networks via mobile station control

A wireless communication device comprising:

• a first transceiver circuit for communicating with a carrier network within a carrier area of coverage via a first connection line;
• a second transceiver circuit for communicating with a non-carrier network within a non-carrier area of coverage via a second connection line;
• and
• a main circuit, coupled to the first and second transceiver circuits, for conducting a call with a remote station, the main circuit being capable of connecting the first connection line to the remote station via one of either the first transceiver circuit and the second transceiver circuit, connecting the second connection line to the remote station via the other of either the first transceiver circuit and the second transceiver circuit, and disconnecting the first connection line.

A method for operating a wireless communication device to communicate with a remote station via a media gateway, the wireless communication device having first and second transceiver circuits, the method comprising the steps of:

• conducting a call with the remote station through the media gateway, wherein the wireless communication device communicates with the media gateway via the first transceiver circuit;
• entering a transition area of a communication network;
• communicating with the media gateway via the first and second transceiver circuits concurrently;
• handing-over communication with the media gateway from the first transceiver circuit to the second transceiver circuit;
• and
• disconnecting communication with the media gateway via the first transceiver circuit.