A communication system provides for a handoff of a hybrid mobile station (MS) between a legacy network implementing a non-high rate packet data (non-HRPD) communication technology and a network implementing a high rate packet data (HRPD) communication technology. In one embodiment, the legacy network receives a handoff trigger and redirects the MS to the HRPD network. In other embodiments, the legacy network (or HRPD network) receives a handoff trigger, obtains an allocation of HRPD network (or non-HRPD network) resources from the HRPD network (or non-HRPD network), and informs the MS of the allocated HRPD network (or non-HRPD network) resources. Subsequent to the establishment by the HRPD network (or non-HRPD network) of a traffic channel with the MS, the non-HRPD network (or HRPD network) releases non-HRPD network (or HRPD network) RF resources associated with the MS. In still other embodiments, the handoffs may be controlled by a Mobile Switching Center.