Abstract: A subscriber unit (100) determines that there is information to transmit, and requests an amount of bandwidth. Upon receipt of the request for bandwidth from the subscriber unit, the fixed network equipment (FNE; 102) determines whether the requested bandwidth is available. If yes, the FNE dynamically determines at least a first timer value to be used by the subscriber unit to detect a loss of granted bandwidth, and transmits a reservation grant to the subscriber unit granting the request. The reservation grant comprises the at least first timer value. Upon receipt of the reservation grant, the subscriber unit extracts the at least first timer value from the reservation grant and uses the at least first timer value to detect loss of granted bandwidth.