A method for switching cells by a mobile equipment of a communication
system. The mobile transmits a signal coded with a spreading code
indicating the mobile's intent to switch cells and the coded information
also identifies to which cell the mobile wants to switch. The coded
information contains channel measurement adjustment information that is
continuously transmitted to the cell which is currently serving the
mobile. The flow of channel measurement adjustment information is
therefore not disturbed by the application of the method of the present
invention. Because the coded information identifies the target cell and
indicates the mobile's intent to perform a cell switching procedure, the
amount of processing done by the cells is significantly reduced thus
increasing the likelihood of a successful switching procedure.