Abstract: A wireless communication network reduces its signaling overhead by recognizing when a mobile station transitions from an inactive state, such as Control Hold or quasi-active, back to an active state. Based on such recognition by the network, the mobile station begins sending desired traffic data without need for explicitly negotiating its return to active state, thereby reducing or eliminating higher-layer signaling, e.g., Layer 3 and above, that is otherwise required for return to active state operations. The network might further avoid explicit signaling by, for example, using transmitted reverse link Power Control Bits to indicate that an inactive mobile station should remain inactive. In this manner, inactive mobile stations may be allowed to return to active state without explicit signaling where appropriate, or held in the inactive state if needed, all without need for explicit network signaling.