A packet data serving node (106) initiates a packet data session update procedure with the RAN by passing a session update message containing packet data session parameters associated with at least one packet data service to a packet control function (111) which may be part of a radio access network (110). The session parameter may include a packet data service inactivity timer, QoS parameters, user information or any other session related parameters. Packet control function (111) examines the PSDN code and inhibits tearing down the link (A10/A11) between PCF (111) and PDSN (106). Further, if a handoff occurs, the BS passes the packet data session parameters associated with each of the service instances to the MSC that in turn passes them on the target BS of the handoff.