A method of managing user equipment (UE) identifiers in a communication system that includes a first wireless communications system that has a core network and a second wireless communications system that includes several short range access points using licensed wireless frequencies and a network controller for communicatively coupling a user equipment to the core network. The method receives a radio resource control (RRC) connection request message from the UE. The method allocates a first identifier to the UE. The method sends an RRC connection setup message that includes the first identifier from the access point to the UE. The method sends a connection management services request message and the first identifier. The network controller determines the first identifier is in use. The method sends a mobility info message that includes a second identifier which is different than the first identifier from the access point to the UE.