The present invention provides a method that is implemented in a base station. The method includes predicting a transmission rate adaptation associated with a mobile unit during a first time interval. The prediction is based on a signal-to-noise ratio for transmission associated with the mobile unit in the first time interval. The predicted request is for a transmission rate adaptation that is predicted to occur during a second time interval subsequent to the first time interval. The method also includes performing a system reconfiguration or a resource reallocation for communication between the base station and the mobile unit at the predicted transmission rate during the second time interval. The system reconfiguration or the resource reallocation is performed prior to the second time interval.