Abstract: A system and method for selecting from a plurality of data service options in a wireless communication network is presented. The system includes a terminal device for originating a call and for transmitting and receiving data in accordance with a selected data service option. The terminal device includes a dialing interface for inputting a sequence of one or more symbols representing a dial command string for originating the call. The input symbol sequence includes information indicating the selection of a data service option. The system also includes a communication device, coupled to the terminal device, for receiving the dial command string from the terminal device, for storing a plurality of pre-determined symbol sequences including standard telephone numbers and reserved telephone number sequences representing different data service options, and for comparing the contents of the dial command string with the stored pre-determined symbol sequences.