METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRIORITIZING ASSIGNMENT OF A PACKET DATA SESSION FOR A PLURALITY OF APPLICATIONS OF A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE

Methods and apparatus for prioritizing assignment of a packet data session for a plurality of applications of a mobile communication device, especially when operating in wireless networks that limit the number of simultaneous packet data sessions available to the mobile device. The plurality of applications include at least a first (priority) application operative in connection with a first (priority) communication service and a second application operative in connection with a second communication service. The first (priority) service may be or include a 'push' type data or message synchronization service. The mobile device causes a packet data session associated with the first (priority) application to be activated for accessing the first (priority) service. In response to identifying an indication of a request for information via the second application, the mobile device causes the packet data session associated with the first (priority) application to be deactivated, and causes a packet data session associated with the second application to be activated for accessing the second service. Subsequently, in response to identifying communication inactivity associated with the second application over a predetermined time period, the mobile device causes the packet data session associated with the second application to be deactivated, and causes a packet data session associated with the first (priority) application to be activated again with the wireless network for again accessing the first (priority) service.