Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for maximizing throughput of a data call in a wireless communication system in which data is transmitted from a wireless station, such as a mobile station, on multiple assigned channels in accordance with a known transmission standard, such as IS-95B. The multiple assigned channels include a fundamental channel and at least one supplemental channel. Data is formatted into variable rate data frames and transmitted on the fundamental channel and the supplemental channel. A wireless receiver, such as a base station, receives the multiple assigned channels. The wireless receiver demodulates and decodes data frames associated with each of the multiple assigned channels. The wireless receiver determines a likely initial data rate for each demodulated and decode data frame.