A node (26) of a radio access network (24) and method of operating such node controls transitions between radio resource control states for a wireless terminal (30). In an example embodiment and mode the method comprises: (1) upon completion of a data activity, making a prediction of a data transmission parameter; (2) making an assessment regarding probable accuracy of the prediction; and (3) using the assessment to make a determination whether or not to implement a radio resource control state switch (the “state switch”). The data transmission parameter may be a different parameter in respective differing example embodiments. In one example embodiment and mode the data transmission parameter comprises inter-arrival time between bursts of data activity. In another example embodiment and mode the data transmission parameter comprises burst size of a burst of data activity.