In one illustrative method, a method in a mobile station for use in reducing delays for data communications is described. The mobile station causes a request for packet data service to be sent to a wireless communication network. If the request for the packet data service is denied in response to the request, then the mobile station is set in a deregistered state. In addition, the mobile station initializes a timer with an initial value that is less than a periodic location update timer value which is broadcasted by the wireless communication network, and runs the timer. In response to an expiration of the timer, the mobile station causes another request for the packet data service to be sent to the wireless communication network.