Faster call set up for Push-to-Call (PTC) services over cellular networks

A wireless communication network is disclosed comprising a base station system (202), a switching system (204), and a transport network (206). The transport network (206) comprises a conventional signaling network (212) configured to transport call signaling and a bearer network (214) configured to transport user communications. The bearer network (214) also transports call signaling, as special connections (216) are established and a portion of the capacity of the special connections are reserved for transporting call signaling. In response to receiving call signaling from a mobile wireless device (210) or a packet data network, the base station system (202) or the switching system (214) determines if the call signaling is for a low latency service. If the call signaling is for a low latency service, then the base station system (202) or the switching system (204) forwards the call signaling over the special connection (216). If not, then the base station system (202) or the switching system (214) transmits the call signaling over the conventional signaling network (212).