A method in an SGSN of a GPRS/UMTS network for wireless communications including a mobile node, the SGSN, a GGSN, an HLR, an SMS-G and a SMS-SC includes introducing a delay after a mobile node has attached and is connected to allow the delivery of SMS messages before initiating tear down procedures to place the mobile node in a standby mode of operation by tearing down the signaling links between the mobile node and the SGSN. Generally, the inventive process performed by the SGSN includes receiving, from the mobile node, an initial UE (attach request) message to establish a signaling link, authenticating the mobile node to determine whether to allow it to attach to the network, accepting and completing the attach, informing the HLR that the mobile node is attached and delaying the tear down of the signaling links for a period sufficient to enable the SMS-SC to deliver any queued SMS messages.