Abstract: A multi-site communication system (100) includes a plurality of communication units (106, 107) roaming among communication sites (108-111). The communication sites (108-111) are controlled by a central controller (100), via repeaters (102-105), and are thereby capable of establishing communication among sites. A method for minimizing message interruptions during a hand-off, of a first communication unit between two sites, includes the step of receiving (200) a message (300) from a second communication unit. During the message (300), which may be delivered at varying information rates, the first communication unit determines (202) the signal quality. If the signal quality of the message is unfavorable, the receiving communication unit determines (204) when the varying information rate of the message is favorable for a hand-off. Lastly, when the varying information rate is favorable for a hand-off, the first communication unit requests (205) the hand-off.