A mobile wireless telecommunications system, which includes base stations (30) of a first type operating according to a first air interface, and base stations (36) of a second type operating according to a second air interface. Methods and apparatus are provided for handing over a mobile station (40) in the system from a first base station (30), which is of the first type, to a second base station (36), which is of the second type. A communications link is established over the first air interface between the mobile station (40) and the first base station (30). Data is received from the mobile station (40) responsive to a signal received by the mobile station (40) over the second air interface from the second base station (36), substantially without breaking the communications link with the first base station. The mobile station (40) is handed over from the first (30) to the second base station (36) responsive to the data received therefrom.