Abstract: Method the transmission of data packets in a TDM transmission loop wherein the frame is subdivided into several groups each having the same number of words, and each group comprises either exclusively narrow-band channels for the transmission of speech data or is associated with the high-rate channel for groups comprising narrow-band channels always comprises an unambiguous bit sample of, for example, the highest priority is assigned to each group. When a subscriber station wants access to a word group in the high-rate channel it transmits its own identifying bit sample and possibly priority data in a signaling word. When this bit sample is returned through the loop undisturbed the subscriber station immediately accesses the assigned group of words in the high-rate channel for the transmission of a data packet. Allocation of channel access among individual subscriber stations is prioritized.