Abstract: In modern telecommunications networks, a 64 kilobit/second channel is frequently used for transmitting data. Sometimes, there is a requirement for transmitting data at a rate that is a multiple of that rate; in that case, the use of a group of contiguous channels is advantageous. The invention relates to an efficient method of searching for such a group. A table of parameters is stored in memory, the parameters identifying the number of adjacent available channels in the high order, middle, and low order channels of a group of eight channels, given the binary value of the availability of the group of eight channels. These parameters are accessed using the availability pattern of the high eight, middle eight and low eight channels of a 24 channel group. The parameters are then examined, singly and in appropriate groups to determine if a group of contiguous channels of the right size is available.