Systems and methods relating to resuming a suspended connection of a wireless device in a wireless system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of operation of a wireless device includes receiving, from a wireless network, a first message that indicates to suspend a connection between the wireless device and the wireless network. Responsive to receiving the first message, the wireless devices stores a wireless device context and enters a suspended mode of operation. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the wireless device transmits, to the wireless network, a second message that requests to resume the connection between the wireless device and the wireless network, wherein the second message includes a resume identifier having an identifier of a network node and an identifier of the wireless device. The wireless device receives, from the wireless network, a contention resolution identity Medium Access Control (MAC) control element that includes a portion of the second message.