A fast call setup system and method for a mobile communications device is provided. A mobile terminal monitors a paging channel on a first predetermined cycle, the paging channel comprising a plurality of slots for monitoring. After a traffic channel is disconnected upon receiving a release order, the network provides reduced slot cycle parameters to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal uses these parameters to monitor the paging channel using a reduced slot cycle. Upon the expiration of an operational timer or through an intervention of either the network or the mobile terminal, the reduced slot cycle is terminated and a normal slot cycle is reinstated.