An example embodiment may involve receiving an attach request related to a WCD. It may be determined that the WCD already has an established bearer session with a first PGW device. Possibly in response to receiving the attach request from the WCD and the WCD already having the established bearer session with the first PGW device, a request for PGW device assignment may be transmitted to a server device. A response from the server device may be received, where the response may indicate assignment of a second PGW device. A create session request may be transmitted to an SGW device. Reception of the create session request may cause the SGW device to establish, for the WCD, a new bearer session to the second PGW device. Establishment of the new bearer session may involve the second PGW device retrieving, from the first PGW device, context information related to the WCD.