Devices and associated methods for operating a dual-subscriber identity module (SIM) dual-standby (DSDS) user equipment device (UE) configured with a first SIM and a second SIM. The UE transmits a connection request message to a base station over a first network using the first SIM, where the connection request message includes one or more capability indications of the UE. The UE receives a connection accept message from the base station, where the connection accept message includes one or more network capability indications corresponding to respective UE capability indications of the one or more UE capability indications. The UE performs communications with the base station according to the one or more network capability indications.