Embodiments of a User Equipment (UE) and method for selecting a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactivity timer for a service operating in a wireless network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the UE may be configured to operate in a 3GPP network in accordance with a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactivity timer that controls RRC state transitions of the UE, and further in accordance with a Machine Type Communication (MTC) mode of operation. The UE may receive, from an Evolved Node-B (eNB), one or more messages that may include an RRC inactivity timer keep connected support value that indicates support of a keep connected mode. In some embodiments, when the UE operates in keep connected mode, the UE operates in an RRC connected state and is restricted from operating in other RRC states.