A communication system for exchanging session initiation protocol signaling messages between a user host associated with a wireless communication device, and a remote user host, through a network, and method therefor. A multiplexer module positioned within the wireless communication device multiplexes call control data, session initiation protocol commands, and packet data setup and status transmitted between the wireless communication device and the network. A control module located in the multiplexer determines whether a packet associated control channel has been set up, and, in response to the packet associated control channel not being set up, the multiplexer module utilizes a slow dedicated control channel for transmitting signaling associated with requesting a packet associated control channel for transmitting the session initiation protocol commands.