an enhanced handoff signaling method is disclosed that provides a short negotiation time by avoiding the need to downgrade and upgrade , provides greater efficiency by preventing calls from being dropped due to unsuccessful negotiation after the mobile station has moved to the target system , and minimizes the signaling load on the spectrum during handoff negotiations . the method includes the steps of negotiating air interface attributes that the target system can grant , sending a single message to the mobile station to order the mobile station to execute a handoff and to convey granted air interface attributes to the mobile station and executing a handoff of the mobile station to channels on the target system in accordance with the granted air interface attributes . accordingly , a channel is not dropped even when the target system supports air interface attributes different from the source system . further , the negotiating is performed solely over wireline links between the source system and the target system , and no negotiation involving the mobile station is required .