Abstract: The invention concerns a method (300) for directing users to coverage. The method includes the steps of detecting (314) when a signal strength parameter of a mobile unit (112) falls below a predetermined threshold, acquiring (316) positional information about the mobile unit and directing (322) a user of the mobile unit to a reestablishing coverage area (110) that has a signal strength that would cause the signal strength parameter to meet the predetermined threshold. In addition, the method can include the step of calculating (320) positional parameters between the mobile unit and the reestablishing coverage area in which the reestablishing coverage area is a coverage area (110) that is physically closest to the mobile unit in comparison to other coverage areas.

Abstract: A communication system (50) can include a first portable communication unit (72) operating in a dispatch mode with at least a second portable communication unit (78) and an infrastructure system (50A and 50B) providing a communication link between the first and second portable communication units. The infrastructure system can include a memory (61,63) for recursively storing a most recent audio stream from at least one among the first or second portable communication unit. The infrastructure system can further include a dispatch application processor (62). The communication system can further include a means for retrieving a most recent dispatch signal stored at the infrastructure system upon determining a received signal quality level below a predetermined threshold at the second portable communication unit or upon a user request of at least one the portable communication units.