Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. Aspects include a UE communicating, with a first base station while in a connected state with a first cell served by the first base station, information associated with a configuration for the connected state via a signaling radio bearer and application via a data radio bearer. The UE may receive, while in the connected state with the first cell, a handover command from the first base station indicating a handover to a second cell served by a second base station. Aspects may include the UE initiating a connection procedure with the second cell while the connected state with the first cell. The UE may suspend the signal radio bearer and maintain the data radio bearer during the connection procedure with the second cell.