Abstract: Techniques for multiplexing variable-rate data with data services on a shared channel are disclosed. In one aspect, data from data services is prioritized. High priority data awaiting transmission may result in a dim command being issued to reduce the rate of the variable-rate data, thus making room for the data services data. Lower priority data from data services may wait for the next available space, without reducing the rate of the variable-rate data. In another aspect, data services data is categorized into three or more priority levels. High priority data can preempt variable-rate data. Medium priority data may result in a dim command reducing the variable-rate data. Low priority data may wait for the next available space, without reducing the rate of the variable-rate data. Various other aspects are also presented.