A method and apparatus providing a handback process in a wireless telecommunication system after an inter-MSC handoff from a first MSC to a second MSC during an active call to an MS are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) initiating an inter-MSC handback attempt from the second MSC to the first MSC, b) setting up resources in the first MSC and a first BS associated with the first MSC, c) sending a command to the MS directing the MS to begin the inter-MSC handback attempt, d) receiving a message from the MS indicating that the inter-MSC handback attempt failed, e) timely cleaning up the resources set up in the first MSC and first BS due to the new message exchange between the first and second MSCs, and f) sending a message to a second BS associated with the second MSC indicating that the first MSC and first BS are ready for another inter-MSC handback attempt.