For a push-to-talk function in a mobile communication system (30), an
indication is received (35) by a user (50) that the talking floor
is available. Next, an uplink temporary block flow is established (36).
Prior to release of the uplink temporary block flow by the mobile communication
system, a refresh message is sent (39) to hold the uplink temporary block
flow. Downlink temporary block flows may also be refreshed by this method, or by
the mobile communication system. Then the requesting user may enable the push-to-talk
function. These techniques can improve talker arbitration and call setup delays
for push-to-talk.