A method and system for reducing latency by anticipating responsive data communications is described. When the user of a first mobile station receives a message sent from a second mobile station, the user of the first mobile station may responsively reply. If, before the reply is sent, the second mobile station releases its network radio link and goes dormant, the reply may be delayed as the radio link is set up again after the reply is sent. To reduce this latency, the first mobile station may monitor its user's actions and, upon an indication that the user intends to soon reply to the earlier received message, the first mobile station may send a signal into the network which causes the second mobile station to maintain its radio link or to set up a new radio link if it has gone dormant.