A system and method for fast acquisition of a communication link in a wireless broadband communication system between a mobile station and a base station includes a scheduler (100) that is informed (102) of the processing capabilities of the mobile station, preferably in an optional message field. The scheduler determines (104) a time that the mobile station can respond to a downlink message, in the same frame or in a subsequent frame, using the processing capabilities. The scheduler allocates (106) uplink bandwidth for the mobile station to respond to the downlink message at the determined time. In this way, upon sending (108) a message from the base station to the mobile station, the mobile station can immediately respond (112) at the allocated time without having to perform an explicit bandwidth request. As a result, link entry and/or handover times are reduced.