A maximum suspension time defines the length of time that an access terminal may suspend communication with a supporting radio network before the network releases the communication resources assigned to the access terminal. In some environments, it may be necessary for the access terminal to momentarily suspend communication with a first radio network, so that it can briefly communicate with a second radio network. For example, the access terminal may briefly suspend a packet data connection with a packet data network to maintain its registration on a voice/data network. Upon completing communication with the second network, the access terminal resumes communication with the first network using the previously assigned communication channels, if the suspension time is less than the maximum suspension time. If the actual time of suspension exceeds the maximum allowed, the access terminal requests a new connection with the first radio network.