A method and system for managing handoff of a cellular wireless data session between a first wireless coverage area and second wireless coverage area. A first radio network controller (RNC) predicts that handoff of the data session will soon be necessary. Radio resources for continuing the data session in the second wireless coverage area are reserved. The reserved radio resources may be controlled by the first RNC or by a second RNC. The first RNC sends, to a wireless communication device, a predictive handoff directive message that instructs the wireless communication device (i) to wait a designated period of time, and (ii) to then handoff the data session.