A method (700) and a base station controller (120) for operating in accordance with a wireless communication protocol are described herein. In a wireless communication system (100), the base station controller (120) may detect that the mobile station (160) is operable in accordance with the wireless communication protocol based on information associated with the mobile station. In response to detecting at least one of condition of the system (100) suggesting a potential for improved system performance, the base station controller (120) may transmit a handoff message from the first base station (140) to the mobile station (160). The handoff message may notify the mobile station (160) to operate in accordance with the wireless communication protocol.