A control signal data processing load associated with mobile terminals currently having a connection with a radio access network is regulated. The connection is terminated when the control processing cost for maintaining the connection exceeds the benefit of maintaining the connection to achieve shorter access latency. A connection activity level is determined for current connections between multiple mobile terminals and a base station. A current data processing load in the base station associated with the mobile terminal control signaling is calculated. A decision is made whether one or more of the mobile terminals is likely to request a handover of its respective connection to a neighboring base station. Based on the current load, the likelihood of requesting handover of the respective connection, and the connection activity level determined for the respective connection, a decision is made whether to terminate the respective connection.