A method and apparatus for call completion in congested cells

A method and apparatus for providing a call completion service in a wireless communication system are described. A call attempt is completed between a calling party and a called party encountering congestion in a respective cell, by storing information related to the call attempt, monitoring a congestion level and setting up a call to complete the call attempt when traffic channels are available provided the parties are still within the cell coverage area. A predetermined number of available traffic channels may be required so as to prevent further congestion caused call completion. When determining that the called or calling party is within a new cell, congestion level is determined in the new cell and the call is completed if congestion levels are favorable. When the call can be set up the calling party is contacted and confirmation requested. Notification is provided to the parties that the call attempt was not completed, prompting the parties to indicate whether the call attempt should be completed or whether additional stored call attempts should be re-attempted. A call completion service for an established call may be provided by a method and apparatus configured to detect a handoff attempt to a new cell, determine that congestion has occurred, store information related to the handoff attempt, monitor information related to the handoff attempt to determine if the cell is still congested and if the parties are still within the coverage area whereupon a call may be set up.