Methods and apparatus for use in a wireless communication device for communications with a wireless communication network are described. In one illustrative technique, the wireless device sends a message to the wireless network which causes data connection parameters of a previous data connection to be reset. Preferably, the message is a disconnect frame. After the message is sent, the wireless device sends a request for a new data connection to the wireless network. Thereafter, the wireless device communicates data over the new data connection with use of new data connection parameters. The data connection parameters may include an encryption parameter. The actions may be performed in response to a communication failure, such as a device reset that occurs while being out-of-coverage.