Apparatus, and associated method, forms a direct
data connection between mobile stations of a
packet radio communication
system. An SMS message is sent by an initiating
mobile station to another
mobile station between which communications are to be effectuated. The SMS message includes the
IP address of the initiating
mobile station. Once the SMS message is delivered to the other mobile
station, the other mobile
station is caused to obtain an
IP address, if necessary. And, a socket connection is formed when the other mobile
station returns a response message to the initiating mobile station. The mobile stations are each provided with the
IP address of the other mobile station, and other needed information by way of which to form a direct connection upon which the data is communicated directly between the mobile stations.