For use in a wireless network, a base station that reduces the call set-up time for a time-sensitive application. The base station comprises a message controller for receiving an incoming control message that initiates the time-sensitive application in a mobile station. In lieu of a conventional page message, the message controller transmits a short data burst message to the mobile station to initiate the time-sensitive application. The short data burst message is transmitted in a forward control channel. The mobile station completes the set-up by transmitting back an L2 Acknowledgment message in lieu of a conventional page response message.