Fast acquisition of a communication uplink allocation in a mobile communication system based on mobile processing capabilities

A system and method for fast acquisition of a communication link in a wireless broadband communication system between a mobile station and a base station includes a scheduler that is informed of the processing capabilities of the mobile station, preferably in an optional message field. The scheduler determines a time that the mobile station can respond to a downlink message, in the same frame or in a subsequent frame, using the processing capabilities. The scheduler allocates uplink bandwidth for the mobile station to respond to the downlink message at the determined time. In this way, upon sending a message from the base station to the mobile station, the mobile station can immediately respond at the allocated time without having to perform an explicit bandwidth request. As a result, link entry and/or handover times are reduced.