Abstract: A method of downlink packet switching for use in a mobile telecommunications network having a plurality of base stations capable of communicating in corresponding uplink and downlink with a plurality of mobile terminals operating in a frequency division duplex (FDD) mode, wherein a downlink shared channel (DSCH) is used to carry user data and control information for the mobile terminals in a coverage area, the method comprising the steps of providing a common packet channel (CPCH) to serve as a reverse link transport of the downlink shared channel (DSCH) in a deterministic way; and providing for carrying a downlink dedicated physical control channel (DL-DPCCH) to provide physical transport format (TFCI) for the downlink shared channel and physical control for the uplink CPCH.