Abstract: Various embodiments are described to address the need for managing packet data network loading in a manner that is better tailored for wireless networking environments. Generally expressed, a network gateway (141) and a node (101) communicate to establish a packet data session. When conditions warrant, the network gateway sends a back-off message to the node that indicates a period of time for which the node is to suspend sending packet data to the network gateway for the packet data session and for which the node may suspend monitoring a data channel (112) for packet data from the network gateway for the packet data session. After the period of time (i.e., the back-off period) expires the network gateway and the node resume packet data exchange for the packet data session.