Could this be the reason?
Perhaps. Another cause of phase error at the start of the
burst can be the effect of the TX modulators turning on.
When this happens, just before the burst starts, the VCO
sees a different impedence (through the /2 divider). When
this happens the VCO frequency changes slightly (pulling !).
This can cause the PLL to lose lock slightly and an increase
in phase error is seen, only at the start of the burst. This is
fixed by ensuring the modulator is switched on early enough
to allow the PLL to resettle.
GSM900 modulator has a smaller effect because /4 dividers
may have more reverse isolation.
Let us know when you find the reason for the problems.
Good Luck !