A method for managing a standby state of a mobile terminal in a data packet network. The method includes: upon opening a connectivity session for a mobile terminal, a mobility management entity of the network receives a list of areas, known as a “PRA list”, configured according to a given service and a location of the mobile terminal; when the mobile terminal switches from a “connected” mode to a “standby” mode, the mobile terminal receives the “PRA-list” of areas from the mobility management entity via a network access point; when the mobile terminal enters one of the areas included in the “PRA-list” of areas, it switches from the “standby” mode to the “connected” mode, and transmits a notification to the mobility management entity via a network access point.