Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, a system that facilitates transmitting a plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves that propagates along a surface of a first transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path, wherein the first plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves conveys a plurality of communication signals, detecting an attenuation in the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves that affects a propagation of the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves along the first surface of the first transmission medium, and responsive to the detecting, redirecting at least a portion of the plurality of ultra-wideband electromagnetic waves to an interface of a second transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.