A method, computer program product, user equipment (UE) and packet data network gateway (P-GW) are provided for activating “Data Off” services using protocol configuration options (PCO). The UE sends a first indication to a first network node as part of the PCO. The first indication includes a Data Off indication indicating whether a “Data Off” service is activated. The first network node may be a P-GW. If the Data Off indication indicates that the “Data Off” service is deactivated, the UE receives downlink data from the first network node. If the Data Off indication indicates that the “Data Off” service is activated, the UE either receives no downlink data from the first network node or receives an error message from the first network node.