Method for performing inter-technology handovers utilizing tunnels

The present invention provides a method for performing inter-technology handovers of a communication unit between a first Radio Access Network (RAN) and a second RAN. The communication unit includes a single transceiver. An inter-RAN tunnel is established between the first RAN and the second RAN. When the communication unit determines that it may be moving out of the service area of the first RAN, the communication unit sends a handover request message to the first RAN. The handover request message includes a request for a second RAN that the communication unit can communicate with. The communication unit is then able to perform some handover communication with the second RAN prior to actually handing off to the second RAN, by utilizing the inter-RAN tunnel between the first RAN and the second RAN.