Methods and apparatus for use in a wireless communication device for re-establishing communications with a wireless communication network are described. In one illustrative technique, a data connection is maintained with the wireless network for communicating data with use of data connection parameters (e.g. an encryption parameter). In response to a communication failure, the wireless device attempts to establish a new data connection with the wireless network. To do this, the wireless device sends a message to the wireless network which causes the data connection parameters to be reset. Preferably, the message is a disconnect frame. After the message is sent, the wireless device sends an attach request to the wireless network. Thereafter, the wireless device communicates data over the new data connection with use of new data connection parameters.