This study investigates the possibility to use traffic predictions to reduce the delay, when executing system functions in WCDMA networks. The soft handover system function has been chosen for closer examination. The report begins with a thorough description of direct sequence CDMA, WCDMA and the soft handover function. That is the background needed to understand the problems identified. The problems identified are the point in time when the function is executed and the delay during the execution. Simulations show the effects if the delay during the execution is too long. Namely, the interference in the system will increase, which degrades the system capacity and the quality of service. Similar effects are assumed if the function is executed at an improper point in time. The first problem is solved by using a method for predicting when a soft handover is about to take place, which makes it possible to start the soft handover function earlier. The second problem is solved by executing a pre-handover sequence, including time consuming parts of the function, at a non-critical point in time. When to start the pre-handover sequence can be decided by using the same handover prediction method as in the first problem.