An access terminal may be requesting from an access network data in a first coverage area at a first data rate, which is determined based on at least one signal condition of the first coverage area. The access terminal may then decide to switch from requesting data in a first coverage area to requesting data in a second coverage area. In response, the access terminal may (a) request data in the first coverage area at an increased second data rate and (b) send to the access network a notification of the decision to switch from requesting data in a first coverage area to requesting data in a second coverage area. After sending the notification, the access terminal may request data in the second coverage area at a third data rate, which is determined based on at least one signal condition of the second coverage area.