Methods and apparatus are provided for reducing call setup delays resulting from non-call related signaling. In session initiation protocol (SIP) messaging, SIP session setup messaging can have the same priority for placement on the airlink to a mobile phone as other non-call session setup messaging. Method and apparatus for providing priority to call session setup messaging are providing, and in some cases, emergency call setup messaging. By providing priority to call setup messaging, delays that might result from being stuck in a queue behind non-call setup messaging can be reduced.