Access terminals and network nodes are adapted to conduct access terminal registrations. In one example, an access terminal may obtain a data message for transmission, and registration information associated with the access terminal. The access terminal may send a message including the data message and the registration information. A network node can receive a message from an access terminal, where the received message includes a data message and access terminal registration information. The network node can register the access terminal with a network based on the access terminal registration information included in the received message. The network node can also process the data message included in the received message. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.