Virtual address translation to support wireless access to data networks

In a telephony communication system, mobile devices request access to packet-based networks using network access requests that identify access point names associated with the networks. The mobile devices and an operator network providing access to the networks support the use of virtual access point names within network access requests. These virtual access point names need not correspond to any existing networks. Rather, network access requests incorporating virtual access point names indicate actually requested access point names within other fields of the network access requests.