An apparatus and method for optimizing the transition of a Mobile Station (MS) between states of operation for packet data service. An RF connection is established between the MS and Base Site Equipment (BS) for the transmission of data packets. After a period of inactivity of transmission, the RF connection is released and the BS provides the MS with the equipment identifier of the network element that will maintain the connection with a PDSN. The MS retains the identifier while in the Dormant state and a new Semi-Dormant state and sends the identifier to the BS when requesting reactivation. In the Dormant state, the network element maintaining the connection to the PDSN is the PCF. In the Semi-Dormant state, the network element maintains the connection between to the PDSN is the SDU. When the BS has data to transmit to a MS in the Semi-Dormant state, it channel assigns the MS into the Active state according to pilots reported in RF Measurement Report Messages previously received from the MS.