A method performed in a communications network includes receiving, from a wireless communication device, such as for example, a user equipment (UE), an indication including the EPS bearer identity (EBI) the UE has determined to use for a pending uplink (UL) of user data. The indication indicates a preference of the UE to use an existing CP connection or to establish a UP ON connection for the pending UL of user data. The indication is included in a Tracking Area Update (TAU) request initiated by the UE. The method further includes determining, in response to receiving the indication, that the user plane (UP) connection does not need to be established and that the existing control plane (CP) connection may be used. The method further includes, in response to determining that the existing CP connection may be used, allowing the UE to send the pending UL of user data on the existing CP connection.