A personal communications system has a plurality of personal communications units defining a network. The personal communications units are configured to send and receive digital communications among one another via the network. A wireless interface adaptor further defines the network and is configured to function as a repeater. The personal communications units are configured to cooperate with the wireless interface adaptor when the wireless interface adaptor is available. The wireless interface adaptor coordinates access of each personal communications unit to at least one other personal communications unit. The personal communications units are further configured to cooperate with one another to effect communications therebetween when no wireless interface adaptor is available.