A computer implemented method and computer program product for improved data link performance over reliable transport media in a satellite-based global telecommunications network (e.g., Short Burst Data (SBD) transaction network) to reduce downlink latency includes sending a message over reliable transport media in the satellite-based global telecommunications network, polling for a response to the sent message and receiving the response to the sent message. In an aspect of the embodiment, the method can further include polling when a message alert notification is not received. In another aspect of the embodiment, the method can further include polling a single time. In yet another aspect of the embodiment, the method can include polling when a message alert timeout counter elapses.