Abstract: A method for transmitting packetized data in a cellular communication system uses a dynamic channel assignment scheme. In this aspect of the invention a data control channel is used in addition to the data traffic channel. The mobile end system uses the data control channel to send a request for assignment of a channel for transmission of data--such as a particular frequency/time-slot in a TDMA system. The network responds with the identification of a particular channel that may be used for a particular time period to transmit data. In this aspect of the invention there is no dedicated channel that is used for data transmission. Rather, the network determines a channel that will be free for the specified time period and assigns it for data transmission.