Abstract: A method (400) for allocating handoff of mobile stations (105, 110) to a first network node (115). The method can include receiving a handoff request for a first mobile station. Handoff of the first mobile station can be granted in response to determining that the first mobile station has an effective level of battery charge equal to or below a threshold value. Handoff of the first mobile station can be denied in response to determining that the first mobile station has an effective level of battery charge greater than the threshold value. The method also can include receiving status information (130) communicated by the first mobile station. The status information can indicate an effective battery level of the first mobile station. In another arrangement, the status information can indicate a handoff priority level of the first mobile station.

Abstract: A communication device (100) that includes a transceiver (210), a sensor (230) that detects proximity of the communication device with respect to a user (105), and a controller (205) that selectively changes at least one operating parameter of the transceiver when the sensor detects that the communication device is proximate to the user. The operating parameter that is changed can includes a transmit power of communication signals generated by the transceiver and/or a data transmission rate of signals generated by the transceiver. The communication device also can include a first antenna (215) and a second antenna (220), and the operating parameter that is changed can include a selection of the first antenna or the second antenna through which to transmit an RF signal. The sensor can sense a value of electric field intensity, a value of capacitance, or acoustically measure a distance between the communication device and the user.