Data-capable network prioritization with reduced delays in data service

A mobile device sends to a wireless network a request for establishing a service. In response to a rejection of the request, the device reattempts the request so long as the total number of requests is less than a predetermined value. When the total number of rejected requests is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the device selects a different wireless network with which to establish the communication service if the wireless network is a non-home network. Otherwise, if the wireless network is the home network, the mobile device runs a timer which is initialized with an internal timer value instead of a network timer value when the internal timer value is less than the network timer value. In response to an expiration of the timer, the mobile device sends to the wireless network another one or more requests for establishing the service.